Savannah Bee Company Tupelo Honey
Secret ingredient
Honey, often called liquid gold, has been cherished as a superfood since ancient times. Harvested from the nectar of flowers and transformed into a golden elixir by the remarkable honey bee, it’s one of the world’s oldest and most beloved food sources. Beyond its natural sweetness, honey has a long history as a powerful remedy, used to treat wounds, aid digestion and soothe coughs and sore throats. Its value was so great that ancient Greeks, Vikings and Egyptians even used it as currency.
Now, you might be thinking, “Honey isn’t exactly a secret ingredient!” But for some, local honey from Savannah Bee Company just might be. We asked Scott Hastings, chef and owner of Lulu Kitchen, to share an underused ingredient, and his pick was Savannah Bee Company’s Tupelo Raw Honey.
“We use it in a couple of different applications,” Hastings explained. “First, this is the main ingredient in all of our salad dressings, giving them just a hint of all-natural sweetness. We also use it in our house polenta, for our halibut dish and our sweet corn coulis. But be mindful that a little bit goes a long way!”
This is the honey that sparked it all for Savannah Bee Company. Founder Ted Dennard fell in love with beekeeping among the Tupelo trees along the Georgia-Florida border, beginning a passion that endures to this day. Known for its distinct buttery flavor and golden-green hue, Tupelo honey remains one of the most coveted honeys in the world, offering a rich, buttery undertone with a delicate sweetness that fades gracefully.
Sweet ways to use Tupelo honey
From savory dishes to desserts, Tupelo honey’s rare, smooth sweetness is a simple way to elevate your culinary creations.
Sweeten your tea: Swap out sugar or other sweeteners for Tupelo honey to give your favorite tea a delicate, floral note. Its smoothness blends beautifully in both hot and iced teas.
Drizzle over cheese: Add a touch of elegance to your cheese board by drizzling Tupelo honey over creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese. The contrast of savory and sweet creates a delightful bite.
Glaze for meats: Create a rich, flavorful glaze for roasted meats such as ham, chicken or pork. Combine Tupelo honey with mustard or citrus juice for a sweet and tangy finish.
Dress up salads: Whisk Tupelo honey into a simple vinaigrette with olive oil, lemon juice and mustard. Its mild sweetness pairs perfectly with fresh greens and fruit.
Enhance your baking: Use Tupelo honey in baked goods like cakes, muffins and cookies. Its resistance to crystallization keeps desserts moist and flavorful longer.
Spread on toast: For a quick and delicious breakfast, spread Tupelo honey over warm toast, or mix it with butter for a sweet twist on a classic.
