First Place Class 4 Dark Extracted Honey

The color and flavor of honey is determined by the nectar source. Darker honey may contain some bamboo or mixed wildflower nectar and typically has a stronger flavor than lighter honey.

Joseph Lelinho, president of the Essex County Beekeepers Society (ECBS), one of the eight branches of the New Jersey Beekeepers Association (NJBA) produced this fine dark honey which he sells under the name of "Hilltop Honey". Scoring a 96 out of a possible 100 points, honey is judged on the moisture content, lack of crystals, cleanliness of the container, correct fill level, uniformity, absence of foam and absence of particles in the honey.

(Photo by Janet A. Katz)