Mustard Honey (Sarson Honey): Taste, Uses and Why It Turns Creamy
Every winter, fields across North India turn bright yellow with mustard (sarson) in bloom, and for bees it is a feast. The honey they make from it is one of the most distinctive in the country: pale golden-yellow, mildly floral and naturally creamy.
If you have only tried supermarket honey, mustard honey can be a surprise. Here is everything you need to know.
What does mustard honey taste like?
Despite the name, mustard honey does not taste of mustard. It is mild, bright and floral, with a gentle warmth and a clean finish. It is less intense than dark honeys and less perfumed than lychee honey, which makes it one of the most versatile honeys you can keep in the kitchen.
Why does mustard honey crystallise so quickly?
Mustard nectar is naturally high in glucose, and glucose is the sugar that forms crystals. So mustard honey often turns from liquid to thick and creamy within a few weeks, especially in cooler weather.
This is completely natural, and it is one reason mustard honey is loved as a soft, spreadable honey. It hasn't spoiled. If you prefer it runny, stand the closed jar in warm (not boiling) water and stir. We explain the science in Why Does Honey Crystallise?
How to use mustard honey
- On toast, parathas or rotis: once it has set, it spreads like butter and doesn't drip.
- Honey-mustard dressing: whisk with mustard, lemon juice and olive or mustard oil.
- Marinades: brush over paneer tikka, chicken or roasted vegetables in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Cheese boards: pairs well with sharp cheddar and crackers.
- In tea and warm water: a mild, everyday sweetener.
Mustard honey vs other honeys
| Honey | Colour | Taste | Texture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mustard | Golden yellow | Mild, floral | Crystallises quickly, creamy |
| Kashmiri Acacia | Almost clear | Very mild, delicate | Stays runny for months |
| Lychee | Pale golden | Fruity, perfumed | Slow to crystallise |
| Himalayan Multi-Flora | Deep amber | Rich, wildflower | Slow to crystallise |
How to buy good mustard honey
- Look for a single-origin mustard honey, not a blend labelled only “pure honey”.
- Check that nothing has been added: no sugar, syrups or preservatives.
- Expect it to crystallise. A mustard honey that never sets has usually been heavily heated or filtered.
BeeBlend Yellow Mustard Flower Honey is raw, unheated and single-origin, available in 160g and 250g jars. Want to compare it with other honeys first? It is one of the six flavours in the Pure Honey Collection, our box of 24 tear-open 10g honey sachets.
Honey is not suitable for infants under 12 months.
