Shaftal Soul (شفتل کا شہد)

Shaftal Soul is clover honey from shaftal, the Persian clover grown across Pakistan as a fodder crop. Ours comes from the clover fields around Mianwali, Punjab. In Urdu it is شفتل کا شہد (shaftal ka shehad, also spelt shaftal ka shahad). When the fields flower in spring, bees work the small pink blossoms and produce one of the lightest honeys of the year.

It is very pale in the jar and clean on the palate, with a gentle floral sweetness and no sharp aftertaste.

We cold-extract Shaftal Soul and never heat it. Nothing is added.

How to enjoy it

That mild character makes it the most versatile honey in our range. It stirs into tea or coffee without overpowering them, spreads easily on toast, and works in cakes and biscuits where a stronger honey would dominate.

• In place of sugar in banana bread, granola or oat cookies
• Over cornflakes or porridge in the morning
• Mixed with soft butter as a spread for warm naan
• In homemade lemonade

Storage and crystallisation

Store the jar closed at room temperature, away from sunlight, and use a dry spoon. Clover honey crystallises fairly quickly into a smooth, spreadable set. Many people enjoy it that way; to make it runny, stand the jar in warm water.

Questions

What is shaftal? Shaftal is Persian clover (Trifolium resupinatum), a fodder crop farmers grow for their animals. Its flowers are a favourite of honeybees.

Why has my jar turned pale and thick? That is natural crystallisation, which happens quickly in clover honey. It is still good to eat.

Can babies have it? No. Honey of any kind should not be given to babies under 12 months.

Available in 150 g, 250 g and 500 g jars.

Prices include tax. Delivery is calculated at checkout.