The Black Jar Honey Contest
Sunday, June 4th, 2023 – Salvage Station – Asheville, N.C.
Each year hundreds of beekeepers from all over the world enter their honey with hopes of winning the title of the world’s best tasting honey. Although the official contest is held in June, contestants are asked to enter their honey by March 1, 2023, in order for judging to begin. Because we receive so many entries, different preliminary judging dates are held, with each winner moving up until 30 finalists are chosen to compete at The Black Jar.
In other honey contests, “perfection” is key to judging. Honey is judged on moisture content, clarity, foam and particles, with points being deducted for each defect found. The Black Jar is set up to rely solely on the taste of each entry. The honey that makes it to the finals is covered in black fabric so the judges cannot see the visual characteristics or what’s in the honey. We choose this form of judging because we respect the unique flavors that bees bring back to the hive as they visit different flowers, and understand the varieties and flavors that will be found all over the world.
Once again The Black Jar will be held alongside Asheville Honey Festival. Come to the Salvage Station on Sunday, June 4th and join the Center for Honeybee Research and Shanti Elixirs in celebrating all things bees, pollinators and honey with music, food, drink and more! Guest will have the opportunity to watch local celebrity judges determine the world’s best tasting honey and sample these entries at our honey tasting station. Check back to find out when Asheville Honey Fest 2023 tickets go on sale.
To learn more about sponsorship levels for this year’s Black Jar Contest, click here.
Deadline: Entries must be received or post-marked by March 1, 2023
Due to difficulties in shipping, entries may be packaged in unbreakable containers (1 liter/quart is approx. 3 pounds US/ 1.35Kg) which the Center will transfer into glass queenline jars. Two beekeeper labels must be included for attaching. These labels should be sized to fit a one pound jar. Please visit Contest Rules.
Grand Prize is $6,000 U.S, blue ribbon, name added to trophy and Center website, and bragging rights for the whole world
We will also award $150 each to winners in ten categories – which will be determined based upon the qualities and quantity of entries received. For answers to frequently asked questions click here.