Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) is a tree native to the Eastern United States. It can be found throughout the Southeast, but it is especially prevalent in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. It is this region from North Georgia to West Virginia that offers the proper elevation and conditions for the tree to produce a premium honey crop (Typically between 1500 -3500ft).
Sourwood Honey is often described as having buttery caramel flavor, delicate floral sweetness, and an exceptionally smooth finish. Some people call it the “Champaign of Honey”.
The bloom occurs between the early part of June in lower elevations and finishes towards the end of July at higher elevations. At our locations in Western North Carolina, at around 2200ft it is typically a 3-4 week window between June 20th and July 15th.
Chasing Sourwood Honey
We transport our hives from North Florida after the Chinese Tallow finishes blooming. The process requires an overnight, 8-hour trip to keep the colonies from overheating while in transit. The hives are placed on a trailer, covered with a mesh netting, driven with minimal stops to their temporary location in the mountains. Bear fences have to be installed. 4 weeks later the honey supers are pulled and the hives make the return trip in the same fashion, overnight.
The whole process from start to finish is easily one of the most labor intensive journeys we embark upon. But the reward is distinctly worth it. There are a several benefits. Firstly, the nectar flow is finished in North Florida by the time the Sourwood begins in NC. So the bees are given another source of food, in an area of the country that is absent agricultural processes the utilize fertilizers, herbicides, and fungicides. The bees get a wonderful pollen and nectar source at a time when they otherwise would be in survival mode back home. Secondly, we are able to bring a unique honey product home to the Tallahassee region. We are the only provider of Sourwood Honey in the North Florida region. And thirdly, sourwood is our favorite honey. So it becomes a win, win, win.
