Lidone: Organic Bitter Strawberry Tree Honey

Strawberry Tree Honey (Corbezzolo) is one of Sardinia’s most celebrated specialties — a honey of strength, contrast, and character.

It is produced almost exclusively on the island, where large, mature strawberry trees provide enough nectar for beekeeping. Some production also occurs along the Tyrrhenian coast and in Tuscany, depending on seasonal rainfall and temperature.

According to honey expert Lucia Piana, flowering requires specific conditions: abundant summer rain and mild August temperatures. Despite this, yields remain modest. The strawberry tree blooms in late autumn (October–November) — a challenge for bees that are preparing for winter. High humidity during this period increases the honey’s natural moisture content, which must later be carefully reduced by the beekeeper.

Arbaree uses gentle extraction and dehydration techniques to preserve quality and balance. Once filtered and aged, the result is a honey with a creamy texture, complex aroma, and long, bitter finish.

Although its fruits resemble strawberries, their flavor is unique — earthy and slightly astringent. Locals transform them into jams and liqueurs, yet it is the honey that captures the plant’s true essence.

The green leaves, white blossoms, and red fruits of the strawberry tree represent the three colors of the Italian flag, a symbol of unity during the Renaissance.

A bold and elegant honey with herbal, coffee, and woody notes, evolving into spicy and balsamic tones. The palate reveals a long, structured bitterness balanced by a subtle natural sweetness.

Pairing:

Excellent with aged cheeses such as Pecorino, Ricotta, or Mascarpone. Complements Seadas, yogurt, muesli, or savory dishes with Pane Carasau, artichokes, or radicchio.

We first met Daniele Cossu in spring 2024, after he came highly recommended by our friends at Lolla Sardegna. Rafaela described Daniele as one of the most passionate beekeepers she had ever met — someone who is consistently recognized at Italy’s most prestigious honey competition, Tre Gocce d’Oro.

Speaking with Daniele feels like being in the presence of a true honey whisperer. Never before had we learned so many details about beekeeping, the production process, the different honeys, and what sets each one apart. Daniele comes across as someone who has devoted his life to one ultimate goal: producing some of the finest Sardinian honeys.

While it was Daniele’s celebrated Corbezzolo honey that first drew us in, we must point out that every other variety we tasted was equally intense and had a fabulous texture.

Daniele’s organic honeys range from the much-praised Corbezzolo to Asphodel, Chestnut, Mediterranean Maquis, Fennel, Thistle, Cistus, and more — all gathered in and around the pristine Sardinian hills of Simaxis and Nuoro, a region of the world known for its exceptional longevity.

🇮🇹 Tre Gocce d’Oro – Grandi Mieli d’Italia 2025 (Three Golden Drops) the highest national recognition

🇮🇹 Due Gocce d’Oro – Grandi Mieli d’Italia 2023 (Two Golden Drops)

🇮🇹 Second place – Biol Miel 2023

🇮🇹 Due Gocce d’Oro – Grandi Mieli d’Italia 2018 (Two Golden Drops)

The Tre Gocce d’Oro – Grandi Mieli d’Italia (“Three Golden Drops”) is Italy’s most prestigious honey competition, organized annually by the Osservatorio Nazionale Miele since 1980. Expert panels conduct blind tastings to assess purity, floral typicity, and sensory balance across hundreds of Italian honeys each year.

BIOL Miel is an international competition dedicated to promoting excellence in organic honey. Established in Italy as part of the renowned Premio BIOL initiative, it brings together producers from around the world to celebrate quality, sustainability, and biodiversity in beekeeping.

Entries are evaluated by expert tasters and technical panels based on sensory characteristics, purity, and organic production standards. The competition aims to highlight the work of beekeepers who respect both nature and tradition, showcasing the best expressions of organic honey globally.