Need answers? Browse our frequently asked questions. If you don't see what you need then reach out to us! We'd love to help.

 

Q: Where do you get your honey?

A: Most of our honey is generated by our own bees, with close to 800 hundred hives located in multiple locations throughout SW Florida. Including Lee, Collier, Hendry, DeSoto and Pope Counties. Our heaviest concentration of hives. range all the way from Immokalee to Arcadia including Pine Island, Fort Myers and previously on Captiva Island (see Bee Buzz for more information on Captiva Bees) to name a few. So, with over 20 locations in SW Florida there are many options to choose from. We also maintain relationships with other Beekeepers throughout the state as well as the  country providing us with other popular options for our honey lovers such as Avocado, Tupelo, Blueberry, Cranberry, Buckwheat and Sweet Clover.

With approximately 300 varieties of honey produced by Bees in North America alone there are lots of options out there. We pride ourselves on providing many wonderful options depending on what you are looking for, BECAUSE, contrary to popular belief not all honey tastes the same or provides the ultimate benefit sought.

Q: How many Bees does it take to make a jar of honey?

A: A typical 10 frame hive/super can be the home to anywhere from 20-60 thousand bees and will produce approximately 2-2.5 gallons of honey or 8-9 32oz. bottles of honey. Of course all of this is highly variable, but bottom line, it takes a lot of bees to make a jar of honey. That's why it's so important to have happy, healthy Bees! Even more important than the honey they produce, they provide an important and critical service to our food supply....Pollination! Without it, much of our food supply would be jeopardized.

 

Q: Is your honey pasteurized?

A: No, our honey is not pasteurized. Unpasteurized or raw honey is preferred because all of the health benefits remain. However, with certain medical issues, raw honey can be dangers. Also, it is not recommended for children under a year old. 

For honey to be considered raw, it should not be heated higher than 130 degrees. So be careful, the microwave can denigrate some of the health qualities of your raw honey. 

 

Q: Why does honey crystalize?

A: Don't throw it away! Crystallization does not mean it's gone bad. Different honey will crystalize faster than others, but it's important to keep honey at room temperature. The scientific answer has to do with the glucose molecules in the honey separating  from the moisture. The higher the moisture or water content, the faster it may crystalize. We test and monitor the water content in our honey. However, just by nature, certain honey (wet honey/higher water content honey) will crystalize faster than others. Tupelo is a popular option because it does not tend to crystalize. Simple solution though if this is happening to you....set it in the hot sun for a bit or hot water will do the trick. We'd try to avoid the microwave (see above question on pasteurization).

 

Q: When and where can I sample/buy your honey?

A: You can find us at several different Farmer's Markets throughout the local area most days of the week during season. However, during the summer we are still busy, but with fewer market locations. To stay updated as far as our current schedule, check here often or also follow us on facebook and twitter. Don't hesitate to email us if you're local and we can try and deliver in the Summer as well. CLICK HERE for our market schedule.

 

Q: Why is honey different colors?

A: The color of honey is primarily determined by what the Bees are pollinating or the color of the nectar they are collecting.

 

Q: Do you add anything to your honey?

A: No, all of our honey is pure honey. One exception though, our HOT HONEY. We did add some heat (see description of HOT HONEY).