Most honey starts as flower nectar. Honeydew honey does not, and Jarrah honey comes from a tree that does not flower every year. Both are dark, rich and hard to find in the UAE, which is why people often ask how they compare. Here is a simple guide.
What is honeydew honey?
Honeydew honey is made from a sweet liquid that bees collect from tree bark and leaves, not from flowers. Small sap-feeding insects living on the tree leave tiny drops of this sweet "dew", and the bees gather it the way other bees gather nectar.
The Balqees Raw Black Beech Honey Dew comes from the black beech forests of New Zealand. It has a deep colour and a silky, toffee-like taste that is less sugary than many flower honeys.
What is Jarrah honey?
Jarrah honey comes from the nectar of the Jarrah tree, a eucalyptus that grows only in the south-west of Western Australia. The trees do not flower every year, so harvests are limited.
The Balqees Royal Raw Jarrah Honey (TA 35+) is dark and thick, with a rich, caramel-like taste. Jarrah is naturally high in fructose, so it stays runny for a long time and is slow to crystallise.
What does TA 35+ mean on Jarrah honey?
TA stands for Total Activity. It is a laboratory measurement used to grade honeys like Jarrah, in the same way that MGO and UMF are used to grade Manuka. A higher number means a higher measured activity in the test. If you are comparing jars, check that the TA number is printed clearly on the label. For more on how honey grades work, read our guide to Manuka MGO and UMF grades.
Honeydew vs Jarrah at a glance
| Honeydew (Black Beech) | Jarrah | |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Honeydew from black beech trees | Nectar from Jarrah tree flowers |
| Origin | New Zealand | Western Australia |
| Colour | Dark | Dark amber |
| Taste | Silky, toffee, less sweet | Rich, caramel, malty |
| Texture | Smooth, pourable | Thick, slow to crystallise |
| Grade on the label | None | TA number, such as TA 35+ |
How to enjoy dark honeys
- With cheese: drizzle over aged cheddar, manchego or blue cheese. See our cheese and honey pairing guide.
- On breakfast: stir into thick yoghurt or spread on warm toast.
- In drinks: add to tea once it has cooled a little, so you can taste the honey, not just the sweetness.
- Straight from the spoon: the best way to compare the two side by side.
How to store them
Keep both jars closed at room temperature, away from direct sun. Raw honey can crystallise over time. This is natural. Stand the closed jar in warm water to soften it again.
Frequently asked questions
Is honeydew honey real honey?
Yes. It is made by honey bees in the same way as flower honey. The difference is the raw material: bees collect honeydew from trees instead of nectar from flowers.
Which is sweeter, honeydew or Jarrah?
Honeydew honey usually tastes less sweet and more toffee-like. Jarrah is rich and caramel-sweet.
Why is Jarrah honey hard to find?
Jarrah trees grow only in Western Australia and do not flower every year, so supply is limited.
Does Jarrah honey crystallise?
Very slowly. It is naturally high in fructose, so it tends to stay runny for longer than many other honeys.
Try both side by side: Raw Black Beech Honey Dew and Royal Raw Jarrah Honey, delivered across the UAE.
