Aragonese Pyrenees Oak Forest Honey (Miel de Bosque)

Forest honey from Apícola Cinco Villas, a beekeeping business in the pre-Pyrenees of Aragón. It is a honeydew honey collected from oak and holm oak (Quercus ilex) woodland in late summer and autumn, not from flowers. The colour is dark, close to black, and the aroma is intense and malty. The taste is sweet up front with a noticeable salty, mineral edge. It barely crystallises, and if it does it turns very dark brown. Sold in 250 g, 500 g and 1 kg jars. Use it with aged Spanish cheeses such as Manchego or Roncal, in marinades for pork, or stirred into dark bread and gingerbread doughs.