As cotton cultivation in Europe has declined considerably in recent decades, with other world zones growing it intensively, cotton honey has long since become uncommon here.
Greece accounts for about 80% of Europe’s cotton crop, but that’s just 1% of world production. So, Greece is probably the only European country where cotton honey is still produced. On the other hand, in Uzbekistan, for example, cotton honey is widespread.
Cotton honey is a nectar honey, but the nectar collected by bees comes mainly from the nectaries on the cotton, not from its flowers, which contain too little sucrose to attract bees. This type of honey crystallizes quickly into fine crystals. When crystallized, its colour changes to light cream, almost white. It has a subtle, very discreet aroma, preferred by those who don’t like intense honeys.
