Many of the species of the genus Erica are mistaken for Calluna vulgaris, as they look similar to the naked eye. They belong to the same family (Ericaceae) but are different genera. While Calluna vulgaris is the only species in the genus Calluna, the genus Erica has about 850 species, native to Africa and Europe, but now spread all over the world.
Heather honeys from the Mediterranean basin are mainly found in Corsica (Erica arborea), the Cyclades (Erica manipuliflora), and Peloponnese (Erica arborea, Erica manipuliflora). In Greece there are also some other species, such as Erica carnea (mainland) or Erica multiflora (Ionian Islands).
Mediterranean heather honey is very pleasant, with a caramel-like smell, taste and texture. It crystallizes quickly, turning into a creamy honey. In Greece, it is produced mainly in the Cyclades; whilst in France – in Corsica.
