Rewarewa (Knightia excelsa) is our indigenous honeysuckle tree that gives an outstanding honey rich in taste and beneficial properties. Rewarewa grows in groves in well-lit parts of our forest, and stands above the forest shrubbery as a fine tree of up to 30 metres in height. The flowers are clustered together on stalks with about 50-80 flowers in each cluster. The flower is designed for pollination by birds such as tui and bellbird, so it gives a bounty of nectar which our bees find to make this delicious honey.

Traditionally, the nectar of the rewarewa tree was collected by our ancestors for a sweetener as it contains about 45% sugars – a true honeysuckle! The inner bark was used for bandaging over wounds to check bleeding and help healing.

Research has found that Rewarewa Honey has a range of properties from antibacterial to anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. Rewarewa honey has a beautiful deep reddish amber colour and a rich, full-bodied taste. Use daily straight from the jar, or in drinks. Rewarewa is especially favoured by chefs for use in savoury and dessert dishes to create culinary delights!