Honeydew

An important compenent of Ambrosia, honeydew is secreted by scale insects that reside in the beech trees of FaerLand. This part of the forest is highly protected. The gardeners are specialists who are much revered for their knowledge, even more so than the harvesters of the nectar, which is a comparitivey simple task.

Any idiot can collect nectar and call it ambrosia, but true ambrosia has qualities that are not found in common nectar

— Hetty, Head of the Honeydew Guild

It is, of course, easy to harvest rubbish honedew, the sort scavenged by bees and other insects in the forest, the real trick with honeydew is...unstated.

I'm sorry, but the honeydew guild does not share it's secrets. And no, we're not taking applicants right now. Feel free to leave your resume. We will be sure to get back to you within a hundred years.

— Hetty, Head of the Honeydew Guild

History & Usage

Everyday use

Honeydew is used in the fae staple: Ambrosia - and while the recipes vary, they are generally. 1 part nectar 1 part honeydew 1 part rowanberry wine (also made with honeydew and nectar, this is another closel guarded recipe)

Protection & Punishment

One of the most prized natural resources in the FaerLand forest, this resource is fiercely guarded by Queen Persephone's Soldiers during the summer months and the Honey Dew Guild all year round.
If Queen Persephone is feeling generous, unauthorised harvesting of Honeydew is punished by immediate banishment to the The Labyrinth.

After tasting Honey Dew, Ambrosia is nothing but floral water. The only thing better, is pumpkin pie

— Fairy Godmother who wishes to remain anonymous

Odor

The best honeydew smells of golden syrup and sweet resin

Taste

Honeydew is sweet with a clear, heady aftertaste-often described as notes of spice. Good honeydew should not have a burnt aftertaste but leave a fresh, pleasant note, or tang on the tongue.

Color

A rich golden-brown