Consumers are accustomed to honey in shades of yellow, blonde, or gold. However, an innovative Greek product is changing that, introducing a vivid blue hue, packing extra nutrients, and traveling from Greece to international markets.
This popular product is Blue Honey, an innovative Greek creation that results from mixing traditional Greek honey (typically orange blossom) with a fresh spirulina extract.
Chemical engineer and creator of the product, George Lignos, spoke about the idea, explaining the science behind the stunning color.
“This is a honey product, meaning it’s 98% honey, and the other 2% comes from the spirulina. What I do is extract the spirulina—I take only the blue pigment from its cells, concentrate it, and mix it into the honey,” Lignos explained.
Lignos chose a light variety, specifically orange blossom honey, because its mild color allows the blue pigment to easily dominate. Crucially, the extraction process does not affect the honey’s classic taste or texture.
Greek blue honey is an instant success
The public’s reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Lignos noted that the unique product is a huge hit, especially with tourists on Crete:
“The great success has been in Chania. We have various products displayed right next to the register, and when tourists see the blue honey, they are stunned and immediately want to try it.”
His entire team at It’s Alive has recently been working feverishly as they prepare for the first major export of the blue honey to the United States. There, in collaboration with Laconic Foods, the product will be marketed exclusively under the private label Cyano.
The successful fusion not only provides an eye-catching, vibrant food but also elevates the nutritional value of the final product, turning a staple ingredient into a distinct new superfood.
Related: Why Greek Honey Is the Best in the World: A Beekeeper Explains
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