Suffolk Honey

Number Eighteen is a small family-run company from Boxford, Suffolk, that is passionate about bees and bee-keeping.

Their wildflower runny honey was awarded 2 stars at the 2024 Great Taste Awards, the judges praised it for its ‘complexity’, ‘balance’ and ‘bold depth of floral flavour’.

We also stock their soft set honey. All honey will eventually crystallise (granulate). This is especially true of pure honey and can be easily rectified by gently warming the jar to melt the crystals.

However, some flowers produce nectar that when transformed into honey by the bees crystallises much quicker than others. Often this honey will set quickly into a rock-hard state that is difficult to remove from the jar. Spring and late-autumnal honey often crystallises in this way.

With a bit of know-how, beekeepers can control this natural crystallisation so that the crystals stay small and the honey takes on a creamy, soft texture that flows very slowly but avoids becoming solid. Many people prefer this type of honey as it is easier to spread.

And lastly, the popular cold-smoked chilli honey, made with fiery-hot Scotch Bonnet chillies.

Most conventional chilli honey recipes infuse chilli seeds with honey at a simmering temperature which adds flavour but destroys the active enzymes in honey that make it so beneficial to health.

Number Eighteen use a cold-smoking process that allows chillies to impart their flavour and heat to the chilli, whilst protecting those enzymes from being destroyed.

Each jar is made as part of a small batch, each carefully crafted by hand. The end result is a wonderful-tasting chilli honey made from just four simple ingredients without preservatives or additives that is incredibly versatile and so, so moreish.

Try drizzling it over salads, or use it as a marinade for barbecued meats. If you pour it over your pizza you’ll think you’ve gone to heaven – it’s really very special.