Think that all honey is the same? Think again! Honey is a sweet treat that can be used in place of sugar in your favorite recipes or drizzled atop a cracker with artisan cheeses. If you’ve been buying that processed junk from your supermarket (you know, the one in the bear-shaped bottle), you’ve got to stop and start buying real honey. Here are some different types to explore.

1. Manuka Honey

Manuka honey is famous for healing wounds. From New Zealand, it comes from the Manuka tree. Studies have found it to have antibacterial properties, plus it can battle off tough infections like MRSA. That being said, some people find the taste of this honey to be a bit like medicine. Give it a try though for its fantastic benefits to your health.

2. Clover Honey

Clover honey is one of the most popular types. It comes from Canada as well as New Zealand. It’s lighter in color and features a mild flavor with just a hint of floral sweetness. This type of honey is wonderful to use in your recipes in place of sugar and other artificial sweeteners.

3. Sourwood Honey

From the Appalachian Mountains, the sourwood trees here are where this honey comes from. Unlike the name though, there’s nothing sour about this honey. In fact, on the nose, you’ll discover an array of pleasant aromas like anise and spice and when you taste it, you’ll be pleased to discover the sweetness that lingers. Many people find this is the perfect honey to enjoy on a simple piece of toast. It’s purely blissful with nothing else needed.

4. Dandelion Honey

This honey is very yellow and bright, but the taste isn’t for everyone. Still, it’s mostly beloved and comes with plenty of healthful benefits. It’s said to help the liver and aid in digestion. Give it a try if you’d like to enjoy better health.

5. Acacia Honey

From the black locust tree in Europe and North America, this honey is very sweet without being cloying. It’s ideal for adding to tea without overpowering the taste of the tea you brew. It also has a high concentration of fructose but low sucrose levels so diabetics can enjoy it, plus it’s great for relieving inflammation. Not bad for something that tastes so good!

With all types of honey, they can vary in flavor depending on the bees that make them. That’s why tasting them can be such great fun. Get two or three different types and taste them on a spoon. Ideally, you should allow it to melt across your mouth from the front of your tongue. If you’re at a farmer’s market, you’ll often be granted samples before you buy. Usually, you’ll get water or a salted cracker to help you cleanse your palate between samplings so you can choose your favorite honey. Now that you know more about honey, which one will you try next?