The lovely George grows Phacelia as a cover crop and a soil conditioner on his farm just east of Bridge of Earn where he has welcomed an apiary of my bees. Its value for pollinators is an even higher priority for him – he has his own bees too after all!
This delicate honey with a lemony hint is one we are getting to know better as the popularity rises of sowing Phacelia in strips and whole fields. It reputedly is very slow to set which gives it an advantage when left in the comb.
Phacelia flowers at different times according to when sown but most fields flower in July and August, tailing off as the local Himalayan balsam comes into flower.
The comb honey will remain delicious for a long time even if the honey sets around the edge of the comb and in the box. Some like comb honey on a cheese board – others take it on warm waffles, toast or muffins or on hot porridge in the morning.
