The tree shown in the image is called Pohutukawa, a name derived from the Maori language. As Christmas approaches, it bursts into bloom with  vibrant red flowers. Because of this, the British settlers gave it the name “Christmas Tree.” The flower’s shape resembles a larger version of a thistle bloom. These trees are commonly found along coastal areas and can grow into  magnificent giants. Their branches spread out horizontally from the base, and their height is impressive.

I often think how grand it would be to  have one of these trees in a home garden. During the nectar flow season, bees swarm around these flowers, creating a lively buzz. At the base of the petals, especially in the morning,  there is an abundance of clear nectar that tastes subtly sweet with a pleasant aroma when tasted. Honey made from Pohutukawa nectar  crystallizes into a pure white form, with a refined sweetness and a rich fragrance. Compared to honey from clover or other sources, it  offers not just sweetness but a flavor that remains enjoyable and never gets tired of eating.

Since Pohutukawa trees thrive along the coastline, they are constantly exposed to sea breezes, which imparts a slight saltiness to the  nectar—a distinctive characteristic of this honey. Placing beehives under these trees results in honey with exceptional purity. As my home is  close to the coast, our bees often collect nectar from these trees as well. I recall my wife once buying “salt candy” from a local Japanese grocery store. It had a unique sweetness that stood out.

When I was a child, my  mother used to celebrate my birthdays by making oshiruko (sweet red bean soup) or amazake (sweet sake) and would always add a pinch of  salt at the end, saying it enhanced the sweetness. Being a child, I was puzzled by the relationship between salt and sweetness. Pohutukawa  honey shares this characteristic—its taste is refined and absolutely delicious. My mother is now 101 years old, living each day with remarkable vitality, which I attribute to the benefits of bee products. While  Pohutukawa honey doesn’t possess the notable functional properties of Manuka honey, it is undeniably one of the most flavorful honeys I’ve ever tasted.