Dark honey that earns the spotlight
What the science says about New Zealand’s black beech honey
Black beech honeydew honey produced in New Zealand’s South Island, where Amber+Black’s apiaries (hives) are located, contains:
Rare sugars absent from floral honeys. These are produced in the gut of the native scale insect and create a unique profile that makes beech honeydew lower on the glycemic index (GI) than floral honeys.
Exceptionally high mineral content, far exceeding typical floral varieties.
The richest amino acid concentrations of any honey. Research suggests amino acid levels may drive antioxidant activity even more powerfully than polyphenols.
Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity comparable to manuka honey.
What makes black beech honey
so special?
To produce this incredible nutrient-rich honey, a unique and intricate chain of natural events has to occur.
First, a sooty black mould forms over the bark of the beech trees, giving them their unique black appearance.
Next, tiny scale insects burrow into this mould, feasting on the tree’s sap and excreting tiny droplets of sweet ‘honeydew’.
Finally, industrious forest bees harvest these droplets (rather than flower nectar). The result is a dark amber honey with a composition, flavour and story that no floral honey, including manuka honey, can replicate.
The flavour alone sets black beech honey apart. It’s deep, malty and less sweet than floral honeys, with a distinctive minerality that we love.
Our story
Amber+Black is built on a shared love of New Zealand’s natural environment and enthusiasm for the remarkable health benefits of black beech honeydew honey – specifically the honey produced in the South Island black beech forests.
Founded by two hardworking, like-minded families, our operations make best use of our passions and talents. One family brings deep expertise in traditional beekeeping and premium honey production, while the other family brings decades of experience in international trade and brand development.
Together, we create natural, traceable, sustainable honey products that reflect the beauty and integrity of New Zealand, and deliver excellence and value for our international partners and their customers.
