Tucked away in the wild, ancient rainforests of Tasmania, something pretty special is happening. Bees forage on the delicate white blossoms of the leatherwood tree (Eucryphia lucida), a species found almost nowhere else on Earth. The result? One of the most unique and sought-after honeys in the world, leatherwood honey.
Here in Chudleigh, we’re so excited to share that we now source cold-pressed, organic Tasmanian leatherwood honey. This means it’s minimally processed, gently extracted, and retains all the natural enzymes, aromas, and goodness just as the bees made it.
What makes leatherwood honey so special?
Leatherwood trees can take up to 100 years to mature and only flower for a short window each summer. Because they grow deep within pristine rainforest regions, the honey is incredibly pure and carries a flavour that truly reflects the Tasmanian wilderness.
Expect a light to medium amber honey with a distinctive floral aroma, almost perfumed, and a smooth, lingering sweetness. It’s like nothing else you’ll ever taste.
Health benefits
Raw, cold-pressed honey isn’t just delicious, it’s functional too.
- Natural antibacterial properties
Honey has long been studied for its ability to inhibit bacterial growth due to compounds like hydrogen peroxide and natural phytochemicals.
Study: Irish et al. (2011) found that Australian honeys, including leatherwood, showed significant antibacterial activity. - Rich in antioxidants
Leatherwood honey contains phenolic compounds that help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Research: Studies on honey polyphenols (Alvarez-Suarez et al., 2010) highlight their role in supporting overall health. - Soothing for coughs and sore throats
Honey has been shown to be as effective, if not more, than some over-the-counter cough remedies.
Study: Paul et al. (2007), published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. - Supports wound healing
Medical-grade honeys are widely used for their healing properties, thanks to their antimicrobial and moisture-retaining effects.
(Molan, 2001)
(As always, honey is a food - not a medicine - but it’s nice to know it comes with some extra goodness.)
A little rainforest magic
Leatherwood honey is often called “the king of honeys” and for good reason. Its flavour can’t be replicated anywhere else in the world, and each jar captures a fleeting Tasmanian flowering season.
Because of its high pollen content, it also tends to crystallise over time, which is a natural sign that your honey is raw and unprocessed. Just gently warm the jar if you prefer it runny again.
How to enjoy it
- Drizzle over warm sourdough with butter
- Pair with creamy cheeses
- Stir into herbal tea
- Or enjoy straight from the spoon (we won’t judge)
From our little corner of Chudleigh to your kitchen, this is honey as it should be; pure, fragrant, and deeply connected to the land it comes from.