Blue and purple honey: what are these products and what makes them unique?

Honey is not only a delicious food but also a remarkably beneficial natural product. It contains unique biologically active compounds, minerals, micro- and macronutrients, enzymes, and other components that are important for the normal functioning of the human body.

Interestingly, the word «honey» is sometimes claimed to have Hebrew origins and is associated with the meaning «magic» or «enchantment». In ancient times, people believed that honey could cure not just some, but most diseases.

The physicochemical composition, taste, aroma, and color of honey depend on the plants from which bees collect nectar, as well as on the harvesting period and, to some extent, the extraction method. Particular attention should be paid to blue or purple honey — a rare and exotic product with unusual characteristics.

The origin of blue and purple honey

The homeland of blue-purple honey is said to be the Sandhills region of North Carolina. There is still no definitive scientific explanation for the unusual color. Some specialists believe that, for unknown reasons, the product changes from its typical amber-yellow color to purple inside the beehive. Others suggest that the unusual color may be associated with bees collecting nectar from sourwood trees.

During periods of drought, aluminum can accumulate in the soil and subsequently enter sourwood blossoms. When bees collect nectar from these flowers, an oxidation-related chemical reaction may occur in their digestive systems, potentially contributing to the honey’s unusual color.

Interestingly, several years ago, French beekeepers also produced blue honey. In that case, the apiaries of several farmers were located near a waste facility belonging to a factory that produced M&M’s candy. The bees were attracted to the colorful sugary coating and collected syrup from the waste. When the different colors — blue, red, and yellow — mixed together, they produced a dark bluish-brown substance that was subsequently found in the bees’ honey.

Natural blue honey is characterized by a pronounced floral aroma and a delicate berry-and-fruit flavor with a long, slightly sour and astringent aftertaste.

Claims about the health benefits of naturally occurring aluminum in blue or purple honey should, however, be treated with caution. The nutritional and biological properties of honey depend on its botanical origin and chemical composition, and unusually high levels of metals are not inherently beneficial.

At the same time, metal contamination resulting from improper honey extraction or unsuitable equipment can negatively affect product quality and food safety. Contact with inappropriate metals may lead to unwanted chemical reactions and contamination.

To minimize unwanted oxidation and contamination, honey should be extracted using high-quality equipment made from food-grade stainless steel approved for use in food processing.

Certified CraftOil honey extractors — high-quality beekeeping equipment

CraftOil offers an extensive and regularly updated range of beekeeping equipment. Our catalog includes electric and automatic honey extractors in various designs and capacities. They are compatible with different types of frames, including homemade frames, feature multiple operating modes, and can be adjusted when necessary.

The MP-28 N, MK-6 (230 mm), MK-9 (230 mm), MD-4 (300 mm), and other models are made from AISI 304 stainless steel, equipped with remote-control panels, and designed to extract honey efficiently while minimizing foaming, oxidation, and other processes that can negatively affect its quality.

CraftOil also offers an excellent selection of oil presses for extracting vegetable oils. Our 20-ton channel-frame press, 20-ton sheet-metal press, 30-ton Ukrainets press, 50-ton Ukrainets press, and other models are suitable for pressing oils and fats from various plant-based raw materials. They come with a 1-year official manufacturer’s warranty and include everything necessary for operation.

To learn more about our equipment and/or choose the right honey extractor or oil press, submit an inquiry through our website.