Nile Soil

Honey types: clover, citrus, sidr and marjoram — what differs

Every difference between honeys comes down to one flower: the blossom the bees drew from decides the colour, the taste and the aroma.

Why honeys differ

All honey is made the same way; the source is what changes. Bees draw nectar from a particular blossom, and that nectar gives the honey its colour, taste and aroma — which is why clover, citrus and sidr are three different things from the same bees.

As a rule: the darker the honey, the stronger the taste. Pale honeys are sweeter and gentler, dark ones deeper and faintly bitter.

Clover: the everyday one

Pale, medium-bodied, sweet and gentle with no sharpness — the most common honey in Egypt and the one most households use daily.

Good on bread and toast, in yoghurt and tea, in baking, and with tahini. Its neutral taste is exactly why it suits daily use rather than occasions.

Citrus: the aromatic one

Pale gold, thinner, with a high aroma and a clear citrus note from orange, lemon and tangerine blossom — you meet it as soon as the jar opens.

The one children take to, good in drinks and yoghurt, and very good with qarish cheese at breakfast.

Sidr and marjoram: for a different taste

Sidr is dark and thick, strong, with a faint bitter finish that marks it out. It is the least plentiful and most expensive, so it is usually bought in small jars and taken by the spoon.

Marjoram honey is less common, a little darker, with a distinctly herbal aroma. If you are tasting your way through honeys, these two are the most distinctive.

Comb: honey in its wax

Honeycomb pieces are honey exactly as the bees left it, unextracted — eaten comb and all, or pressed so the honey runs out. The closest thing to honey at source, and a dish in its own right for guests.

Crystallising and storage

Any natural honey may crystallise or set over time or in the cold. It is not a fault and not a sign of adulteration; standing the jar in warm (not hot) water loosens it again.

Keep it in a sealed jar in a dry place away from sun — no refrigeration — and use a clean dry spoon each time.

Products in this guide

Frequently asked questions

Which honey is best for children?
Clover or citrus: both are sweet and gentle with no bitterness. Sidr is much stronger and usually not their choice.
My honey crystallised — is it fake?
No. Crystallising is natural in real honey and happens faster in the cold. Warm water around the jar brings it back.
Which honey for drinks?
Citrus if you want the aroma to come through, clover if you want sweetness without changing the taste of the drink.