Czech beekeepers produce a range of honeys that reflect the country’s flora and beekeeping practices. Most production comes from small and part-time beekeepers who keep the Carniolan bee (Apis mellifera carnica), which is well suited to the climate and forage of Central Europe.
Floral honeys
Acacia (robinia) honey is light and mild and remains liquid for a long time. Linden (lime) honey from Czech forests is aromatic and often used for colds. Rapeseed honey crystallises quickly and is pale; sunflower honey is similar. Multifloral (mixed blossom) honey is very common and varies by region and season.
Forest and honeydew honeys
Forest honey and honeydew honey are valued in the Czech Republic. They come from honeydew collected by bees from trees (e.g. spruce, fir) and tend to be darker and stronger in flavour. These honeys are often produced in wooded areas of the country.
Quality and labelling
Czech honey is subject to national and EU rules on composition and labelling. Beekeepers who sell honey must meet these requirements. The Czech Beekeepers Union (vcelarstvi.cz) provides information on beekeeping and honey production in the country.
For more on how Czech apiaries are run, see Apiaries in the Czech Republic. For background on Czech beekeeping, read Beekeeping traditions in Czechia.