Beekeepers and honey enthusiasts will have to agree on one thing for sure and this honey is much more than just a simple sweetener. Each jar holds a story—a tale of hard working bees, unique environments, and the magical process of transforming nectar into this liquid gold. Today, we invite you on a journey to explore the most expensive honey in the world. These varieties are treasured not only for their taste but also for the high rarity and benefits that they provide. Here are the top contenders.
Top five most expensive honey in the world
Centauri Honey
Guinness World Records recently recognized Centauri Honey as being the priciest honey globally. Created by Turkish entrepreneur Ahmet Eren Cakir, this honey is produced at altitudes between 1900 and 3000 meters.
The bees here are raised in pristine environments and usually feast on medicinal herbs, which is a key contributing factor to the phenol and flavonoid content of the honey. Plus, with harvesting only possible once a year, each harvest guarantees a pure and high potency product. With its reported immune boosting and anti-cancer properties, Centauri honey has rightfully earned its reputation as a health powerhouse.
- Price: $10,800 per kilogram
- Origin: Black Sea region, Turkey
Elvish Honey
No no, this is not from Middle Earth! Often dubbed as the true nectar of the gods, Elvish honey ranks highly in the list of the most expensive honey in the world. Harvested from a cave 1800 meters deep in northeastern Turkey, the simple process of harvesting requires a lot of effort from skilled mountaineers and specialized equipment.
However, it is the mineral rich composition of Elvish honey that sets it apart from its brethren. Since it is derived from a cave with a unique environment, this honey is truly considered to be a marvel of nature. Thick, golden, and luscious, the price of this honey is a real reflection of all the effort that goes into the harvest.
- Price: $6800 per gram
- Origin: Saricaytir Valley Cave, Turkey
Manuka Honey
Unless you have been living under a rock, the chances of you not hearing about Manuka Honey are practically next to nil. Renowned globally for its high MGO (methylglyoxal) level, Manuka Honey is associated with antibacterial and healing properties. This rare breed features a buttery texture with a high sweetness. Plus, its wellness benefits make it quite useful for cosmetics. With a limited annual production and a very strict grading system, it is no wonder why Manuka Honey is considered among the most expensive honey in the world.
- Price: $1780 per 230 grams
- Origin: Northern New Zealand
Royal Yemen Sidr Honey
Sidr Honey has been cherished through millennia for this healing nature. Produced by bees that pollinate the sidr tree, this honey is harvested just twice a year, making it super rare and ranking among the most expensive honey in the world. Its smooth, rich flavors and wellness focused nature, including use as a natural aphrodisiac, have made it a favorite among connoisseurs. For those who can afford it, Royal Yemen Sidr Hoeny represents the ultimate in natural luxury.
- Price: $1000 per kilogram
- Origin: Hadramaut Mountains, Yemen
Meil Lo Mejor del Bierzo
This rare honey is sourced from the El Bierzo district of Spain. Both halal-certifed and highly sought after, these bees in this region pollinate a variety of unique flora to create a honey with rich flavor. Steeped in the Spanish tradition, the limited supply of Miel Lo Mejor del Bierzo means that there is often a waiting list that buyers need to endure to get their hands on their coveted variety of honey. Despite being a bit more affordable than the ones mentioned on the list, it is still considered to be one of the most exclusive honey varieties in Europe.
- Price: $150 per kilogram
- Origin: Camponaraya, Spain
What makes certain honey so expensive?
Not all honey is created equal. You can’t compare off the shelf honey from mass market brands with these exquisite options mentioned on this list. The flavor, color, and even the texture are greatly influenced by the region’s flora and climate. And while most varieties can be bought for a reasonable price, some varieties do command a premium pricing. The most expensive honey in the world stands apart thanks to its rarity, difficulty in the harvesting process, and purported wellness properties.
These efforts ensure that every jar of honey delivers not just an exceptional flavor but makes them true royalty in the world of honey.
A jar of rare honey
Is the most expensive honey in the world worth it?
While most of us are never going to taste these super expensive varieties, their stories inspire us to appreciate the incredible work that goes into producing every jar- whether it is from your local beekeeper or a remote cave in Turkey.
So, the next time you drizzle honey into your tea or spread it on toast, take a moment to savor its journey.
Loved learning about honey? Continue reading for more interesting trivia on honey and beekeeping here.
