Tastes of Tasmania: Honeys
European bees were first successfully introduced into Tasmania in 1831 and the first Italian bees were introduced in 1884. Approximately two-thirds of Tasmania's honey production is from the verty popular leatherwood blossom. The remainder includes honey types such as clover, blackberry and gum. The leatherwood flow is from early January to April and is the basis of the commercial industry in Tasmania.
Leatherwood grows in rainforests in the southern and western areas of the State largely within regions managed and controlled by State Government authorities as either production forests or the World Heritage Area. Leatherwood honey has a strong flavour and particularly distinctive aroma. It is unique to Tasmania and has established a worldwide reputation as a distinct honey type.