Jerusalem Thorn Honey

Paliurus spina-christi is a shrub that grows in semi-arid areas from Morocco, to Iran and Tajikistan. It is widespread in the Mediterranean Basin. The name Paliurus spina-christi is a reference to the belief that its thorny branches were used to weave the crown of thorns that Jesus wore on the day of the crucifixion.

Jerusalem thorn honey is produced in small quantities because the shrubs grow in hard-to-reach places, the plant has tiny flowers and the flowering period is short, only two weeks. It comes mainly from Greece (Western Macedonia) and Italy (Tuscany).

It is a viscous, dark orange, fragrant honey with a medium aroma. It crystallizes rather slowly, turning lighter in colour. The Greek version (which is also called ‘Paliurus honey’) tends to crystallize more slowly and is darker, almost brown. The Italian one (called ‘Maruca honey’) crystallizes more quickly and is orange. The differences are due to the related flora whose nectar contribute to this type of honey.