Guide to German Fruit Spreads and Honey

If you ever have the opportunity to go shopping in Germany be prepared to be bowled over by the incredible selection of wild honeys and full fruity jams, many in shops specially dedicated to these preserves. Flagrant flowers and aromatic plants give differing characteristics to the honeys, from wild herb and wildflower to dandelion and pine-scented. Jams include not only cultivated fruits but wild berries such as the delightful elderberry.

Jams and Fruit Spreads

Rosehip Jam (Hagebutten Konfitüre)

Rosehips are made into a mousse or jam, which is traditionally used to fill Franconian doughnuts, but is also found on the breakfast table as a spread.

Plum Jam/Jelly (Pflaumenmus)

Made from damson plums (Zwetschgen), seasoned with sugar spices, it is used as spread and in pastries.

Gooseberry Jam (Stachelbeerenmarmelade)

Gooseberry fruit contains a lot of Vitamin C and is made not only into jam, but also sauce-stewed fruit and used as a cake spread.

Sour Cherry Jam (Sauerkirschen Marmelade)

The cherry season is a very short one, but one can enjoy cherries the year around, as a delicious jam or jelly. The sour cherry variety is widely popular in Germany.

Honey

Clover Honey (Kleehonig)

Clover honey is of thin consistency, has a mild taste and whitish color.

Sunflower Honey (Sonnenblumenhonig)

Sunflower honey has a strong taste and smells a little resinous.

Acacia Honey (Akazienhonig)

Acacia honey is harvested from Germany's Robinia forests. It is mild in taste, excellent as a sweetener for tea. Unlike other honeys it stays liquid longer and is of a yellow golden color.

Dandelion Honey (Löwenzahnhonig)

Made in spring from dandelions, it is strong in taste, very aromatic, and very sweet.