Discover the rare Oregon honey with creamy vanilla and toasted-marshmallow notes.

Tucked into Oregon’s lush Willamette Valley, a rare treat appears each spring—Meadowfoam honey. This golden nectar tastes like toasted marshmallow with a hint of vanilla, capturing the beauty of the Pacific Northwest in every spoonful.

What Exactly Is Meadowfoam?
Meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba) is a small, herbaceous wildflower with delicate white, cup-shaped blossoms. When it blooms in late spring, entire fields look like rolling waves of foam—hence the name. Native to the Pacific Northwest, meadowfoam thrives in the valley’s cool, damp soils and is cultivated almost exclusively in Oregon today. Farmers first introduced it as an oilseed crop, but when those blossoms open, they also provide an incredible—if fleeting—nectar flow for honeybees.

A Tiny Plant with a Big Role
Don’t let the petite flowers fool you. Meadowfoam is a cornerstone of Oregon agriculture. Developed as an oilseed crop in the 1970s, it produces a remarkably stable oil prized by the beauty industry for its moisturizing and anti-oxidative properties. Even better, meadowfoam fits beautifully into crop rotations, improving soil health and reducing the need for fertilizers and pesticides. This low-input, high-impact crop embodies the Pacific Northwest’s commitment to eco-friendly farming.

From Bloom to Honey Jar
Meadowfoam’s bloom window is short and heavily dependent on weather, so timing is everything. As soon as the fields turn white, beekeepers move hives into place to catch the intense but brief nectar flow. The flowers don’t produce abundant nectar, and a rainy week can throw everything off, so harvesting this honey is part skill, part gamble. Only attentive beekeepers with strong, healthy colonies manage to capture these limited-edition jars each spring.

Flavor You Won’t Forget
If you’ve never tasted Meadowfoam honey, prepare to be surprised. It starts with a soft vanilla aroma, followed by a flavor many describe as marshmallow, caramel, or even a hint of toasted creme Brulé. Its creamy texture and dessert-like finish make it a favorite of pastry chefs and specialty markets. Drizzle it over oatmeal, pair it with sharp cheddar, swirl it into Greek yogurt, or spoon it over grilled peaches—it brings a touch of indulgence to everyday dishes.

Good for You—and the Planet
Like all raw honey, Meadowfoam honey naturally contains antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds. The plant itself offers a second gift: its oilseed is used in high-end lotions, creams, and hair products thanks to its stability and ability to lock in moisture. Meanwhile, the crop’s low fertilizer needs and rotation benefits mean it enriches the soil and supports pollinators, a win for both farmers and the environment.

Oregon Pride

Most meadowfoam fields are tended by multi-generational family farmers. For these Oregonians, meadowfoam is more than a crop; it’s a symbol of regional innovation and stewardship. From cooperative seed associations to the beekeepers who brave unpredictable weather, this community keeps the tradition alive and delicious.

Why It’s So Rare
Meadowfoam honey is produced in only a small corner of the world, and its bloom lasts just a few short weeks. That narrow harvest window—combined with fickle spring weather—makes every season unpredictable and every jar precious. Its one-of-a-kind marshmallow-vanilla profile means demand always outpaces supply, making it one of the most sought-after honeys in the United States.

Bringing Meadowfoam Honey to You
Because this honey is so rare, we partner with amazing Oregon beekeepers.  We purchase their beautiful honey to share with our customers, making it easier for you to enjoy a true taste of the Pacific Northwest. Always choose raw and unfiltered to preserve its complex flavor and natural nutrients. Store it in a cool, dry spot away from sunlight, and if it crystallizes (a natural process), warm it gently in a water bath. Enjoy it by the spoonful or in your favorite recipes for a vanilla-kissed twist.

A Taste of Oregon at Bee-Licious Honey
At Bee-Licious Honey, we’re proud to share this truly Oregon-born treasure. Our Meadowfoam honey comes straight from family-run farms in the Willamette Valley, where fields of white blossoms create the short but magical spring nectar flow. Each jar captures the toasted-marshmallow and creamy-vanilla notes that make Meadowfoam famous—and because the bloom is brief and weather can be fickle, every harvest is limited and special.

Stop by our Northwest Portland honey house and tasting room to sample it alongside rare honeys from around the world, or order a jar online while this season’s batch lasts. It’s a sweet way to experience the Pacific Northwest and support local bees, farmers, and sustainable agriculture—all in one spoonful.