Starthistle honey – a premium California varietal prized for its light color, mild flavor, and slow crystallization. Our bees forage on yellow star-thistle, a plant that most people consider a weed but bees consider a feast.

What Makes Starthistle Honey Special

Star-thistle blooms in the dry California summer heat when most other plants have finished. It's a late-season honey, which means the bees had to work for it. The result is a light, delicate honey with a clean, sweet finish – one of the most elegant honeys you'll taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is star-thistle?

Yellow star-thistle (Centaurea solstitialis) is a summer-blooming plant common in California's dry inland valleys. While ranchers consider it invasive, beekeepers consider it a gift – it produces exceptional nectar during the hottest part of summer.

Why is starthistle honey so light in color?

The nectar from star-thistle flowers is naturally light, and the late-season harvest means less mixing with darker spring and early-summer nectars. Pure starthistle honey is typically pale gold to water-white.

Does starthistle honey crystallize?

Starthistle honey is known for resisting crystallization longer than many other varietals. It stays liquid and pourable for months. When it does crystallize, it forms a fine, smooth crystal.