Frequently Asked Questions

Q) If bees fly to multiple flowers, how do you get specific honey varietals?

A) Beekeepers influence the honey's varietal by strategically positioning hives near abundant specific flowering plants. For instance, a field dominated by a single flower type will produce honey primarily from that source. However, 100% single-varietal honey is not guaranteed due to bees' natural foraging behavior.

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Q) What is fake honey?

A) Fake honey refers to products that are misrepresented as pure honey but are actually adulterated with other substances. This is a significant problem in the food industry, as honey is indeed one of the most frequently counterfeited food items globally.

The most common adulterant is high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), but other sweeteners like rice syrup, beet sugar, and even molasses are also used. These additions dilute the honey, reduce its nutritional value, and deceive consumers.

To protect yourself from fake honey, consider the following:

• Source Transparency:

  • Purchase honey from reputable sources, such as local beekeepers or established companies with clear sourcing practices.

• Labeling:

  • Careful label examination is advised when purchasing honey. Verify that the product is designated as "pure honey" and lacks added ingredients or ambiguous descriptions. Furthermore, particularly when desiring local honey, ascertain the product's true origin: confirm whether it was actually sourced locally, not just processed locally after being imported from another region.

• Crystallization:

  • Pure honey naturally crystallizes over time. While some fake honey can also crystallize, the process may be different. If your honey never crystallizes, that is a red flag.

• Testing:

  • There are at home tests that can be done, but they are not always accurate. Lab testing is the most accurate way to determine if honey is pure.

• Price:

  • Honey is a labor intensive product, so if the price is extremely low, that is a red flag.

 

It is important to be a discerning consumer when purchasing honey. By prioritizing transparency and quality, you can enjoy the genuine benefits of this natural product.

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Q) Is all of your honey local (To Idaho)?

A) The honey we harvest from our hives is proudly local to Southeast Idaho. While this is our primary offering and deeply connected to our region, its popularity sometimes exceeds our supply. To provide a consistent selection, we also feature carefully chosen honey varieties from across the United States and from international sources.

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Q) Do all bees go out and get honey?

A) Only worker bees leave the hive to collect water, nectar and pollen. Drones do not participate in foraging; their primary function is to mate with the queen. The queen's primary task is egg-laying, which maintains the hive's population.

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Q) How long do bees live?

A) The Queen bee will live about 2 to 3 years but can live up to 5 years. A honey bees lifespan is generally about 4 to 6 weeks for a summer bee and could be up to 6 months for a winter bee. The drones are limited from a few weeks to a few months. The drones typically get kicked out of the hive before winter time. This can vary some depending on the environmental conditions.

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Q) What is 'Raw Honey'?

A) 'Raw honey' refers to honey that has not been heated, pasteurized, or heavily processed. In essence, it is honey as it exists in the beehive, with minimal intervention from the beekeeper. This minimal processing allows raw honey to retain its natural enzymes, pollen, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds. This is why many people believe raw honey offers more potential health benefits than processed honey.

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Q) What is 'Infused Honey'?

A) Infused honey is created by steeping honey with various ingredients like herbs, spices, fruits, or even chili peppers, allowing it to absorb their distinct flavors. While the solids from these flavorings are often strained out to create a smooth liquid, some recipes intentionally leave pieces in for added texture or visual appeal.

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Q) Why is it recommended to not feed honey to children under the age of one?

A) It is advised not to give honey to children under one year old primarily due to the possible presence of Clostridium botulinum spores. While these spores are usually harmless to older kids and adults with more developed digestive systems, an infant's young system isn't always able to handle them. If a baby ingests honey containing these spores, the spores can sometimes produce toxins in their body, which can lead to a condition called infant botulism. Although infant botulism is treatable, it's best to avoid honey in the first year to protect your baby's health.

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Q) How many eggs will a queen lay per day?

A) During peak season, a young, healthy queen can lay up to 2,000 eggs per day.

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Q) Do you take all of the honey from the bees?

A) No, we do not take all the honey. Here in Southeast Idaho, each hive typically requires approximately 100 pounds of honey to survive the winter. To further support them through this critical period, particularly in February, we also provide supplemental feed

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Q) Why do you recommend not to microwave honey?

A) Honey's valuable enzymes, antioxidants, and other delicate components are vulnerable to high temperatures. Microwaving risks damaging these nutrients, diminishing the honey's health benefits and altering its natural flavor and color. Because microwaves heat unevenly, they can create hot spots, leading to caramelization or burning, which produces unpleasant tastes and potentially harmful substances. To safely reliquify crystallized honey, gently warm it in a bath of warm (not boiling) water.

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Q) Will honey help with allergies?

A) To best serve your needs, we sometimes suggest purchasing honey from a beekeeper closer to your location. This is particularly important for allergies, as local honey may contain pollen more relevant to your specific allergens. We understand that honey, while beneficial, is not a proven allergy cure, and an allergist should be consulted for proper treatment. We ask for your location to provide the most helpful and personalized recommendations.

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Q) Why are there bits of bees in my raw honey?

A) Although we try to separate any solids from the honey, during the straining process for raw honey, some small bee fragments may slip through. While generally harmless, individuals with severe bee allergies should be aware of the potential of a reaction.

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Q) How does the worker bee know what job it will get, will one bee be picked for honey gathering while another bee is picked for a guard bee?

A) Honey bees do not 'choose' their jobs; their roles are determined by their age and physiological development. This age-related division of labor ensures the hive's efficiency.

• Newly emerged bees (1-3 days):

  • These 'house bees' primarily clean cells, preparing them for the queen's eggs, and maintain brood warmth.

• Nurse bees (3-11 days):

  • During this phase, bees feed larvae and younger bees with royal jelly and pollen, crucial for their development.

• Builder/Cleaner bees (12-17 days):

  • These bees produce wax to build honeycomb, remove debris, and carry out dead bees, maintaining hive hygiene and structure.

• Guard bees (18-21 days):

  • They transition into 'guard bees', defending the hive entrance from intruders.

• Forager bees (22+ days):

  • Finally, they become 'forager bees', venturing out to collect nectar, pollen, and water.

It's important to note that while age is the primary factor, some flexibility exists. Environmental conditions, hive needs, and pheromones can influence a bee's role. For example, if there is a threat to the hive, younger bees can become guard bees earlier then that age range. Also if there is a shortage of foragers, some bees may start that job earlier.

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Q) Why insist on glass over cheaper plastic for your honey?​

A) To ensure our honey's exquisite, untainted flavor reaches our customers, we use glass packaging. This choice underscores our unwavering dedication to quality. Glass, being non-reactive, maintains the honey's purity, providing a truly premium experience. While more costly than plastic, glass aligns with our values of delivering a superior product to our customers and promoting environmental responsibility and sustainability.

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Q) Why does your honey tastes different than what I am used to, isn't honey all the same?

A) No, honey is not all the same. The flavor profile of honey is directly influenced by the specific flowers from which the bees gather nectar. Therefore, honey produced from different floral sources, even if located relatively close to each other, can exhibit significantly different tastes.

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Q) Do all honey bees sting?

A) Only female honey bees are capable of stinging. Worker bees, being female, are the most common stingers, primarily for hive defense. While queens possess stingers, they rarely sting humans, using them mainly against other queens. Male drones lack stingers entirely.

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Q) What is propolis?

A) Bees create propolis by combining plant resins, beeswax, and saliva into a sticky substance. They use it as a sealant for the hive to keep out pests and also because it has natural antimicrobial qualities that help keep the colony healthy.

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Q What is royal jelly?

A) Royal jelly is a special, nutrient-dense food created by worker bees specifically for the queen bee. This diet is crucial for her development into a large, long-lived, and fertile queen. Young larvae also receive it briefly.

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Q) What can people do to help support bee populations?

A) The best way to help bees is often by planting native wildflowers and plants, such as Arrowleaf Balsamroot and various Penstemons found in Idaho, which are naturally adapted to your area; you can also supplement with other bee-friendly flowers like cosmos, rosemary, and milkweed, while also avoiding pesticides, offering a shallow water source, and supporting local beekeepers by buying their honey.

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Q) Why are bees always by my swimming pool? Is it because of the chlorine?

A) Seeing bees around your swimming pool, particularly when it's hot, is a normal occurrence as they search for water. They aren't necessarily drawn to the chlorine itself but to the water source. Offering bees a safer, alternative water supply away from the pool can often encourage them to hydrate elsewhere.

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Q) Why are bees so important to the trees and flowers?

A) Bees are vital pollinators for trees and flowers. As they collect nectar and pollen, they transfer pollen between flowers, enabling fertilization and the production of seeds and fruits, which is essential for plant reproduction and genetic diversity.

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Q) What happens if the bees die out?

A) If bees died out, we'd face widespread plant decline, disrupted ecosystems, and drastically reduced harvests of many fruits, vegetables, and nuts, leading to food shortages and ecological instability.

 

Q) What is swarming and why do bees do it?

A) Bees swarm primarily due to overcrowding, resource abundance, or an aging queen. It's the colony's method of splitting into two: the old queen and many workers leave to found a new colony, while the original hive raises a new queen.

 

Q) Can honey expire?

A) No, pure, raw honey does not truly expire. Due to its low water content, high acidity, and the presence of natural antibacterial compounds, honey inhibits the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that cause spoilage.

Over time, honey may crystallize (become thick and grainy) and its color may darken. While these changes can affect the texture and appearance, the raw honey remains safe to eat and its beneficial properties are largely preserved. To gently reliquify crystallized honey, place the jar in a warm (not boiling) water bath for a while, stirring occasionally, until it returns to a liquid state.

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Q) How should I store my honey?

A) Store honey in a tightly sealed container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. Avoid refrigerating it as this can speed up crystallization.

 

Q) What are some ways to use honey in cooking or baking?

A) From sweetening beverages and creating flavorful glazes and marinades to enhancing salad dressings, sauces, and baked goods (typically substitute 1/2-3/4 cup for 1 cup sugar, reduce liquid by ~1/4 cup), honey is a kitchen staple, also perfect for breakfast.

 

Simple Honey BBQ Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ketchup

• 1/2 cup honey

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (adds a nice tang)

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for depth of flavor)

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for smoky flavor)

• Pinch of salt

• Pinch of black pepper

• Optional: Pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together all the ingredients until well combined.

2. Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (small bubbles forming around the edges).

3. Thicken: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly to your desired consistency. The longer it simmers, the thicker the sauce will become and the flavors will meld together.

4. Cool and Store: Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly. The sauce will thicken a bit more as it cools. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Tips and Variations:

• Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey to your preference. For a sweeter sauce, add a little more.

• Tanginess: If you like a more tangy sauce, add a bit more apple cider vinegar, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a dash of mustard.

• Smoky Flavor: If you don't have smoked paprika, you can add a tiny drop of liquid smoke (be careful, it's potent!).

• Spice: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce for a bit of heat.

• Herbs and Spices: Feel free to experiment with other spices like a pinch of chili powder, cumin, or a dash of mustard powder. You can also add a very small amount of dried herbs like thyme or oregano.

This simple recipe provides a great base for a honey BBQ sauce that you can customize to your liking! Enjoy!

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Q) Besides eating, what other uses does honey have?

A) Beyond its culinary appeal, honey has a long-standing tradition of use for its natural wound healing and soothing properties. Its high sugar content, low pH, and the presence of hydrogen peroxide contribute to its antibacterial effects, helping to cleanse wounds and promote healing. It can create a moist environment that aids tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation. Historically, honey has been applied to minor cuts, burns, and abrasions.

Honey is also a popular ingredient in beauty treatments. Its humectant properties help to draw and retain moisture, making it an excellent natural moisturizer for the skin. It's used in face masks to soften and hydrate, and its antioxidants can contribute to a healthy glow. Some also use honey in hair masks to condition and add shine.

Furthermore, honey features prominently in various traditional remedies. As mentioned earlier, a mixture of honey and lemon is a common and effective soother for sore throats and coughs. In traditional medicine systems around the world, honey has been used for its potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and even prebiotic properties.

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Below are 2 common uses of Raw Honey:

1. Simple Honey Face Mask (Soothing and Moisturizing):

• Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of raw honey.

• Instructions: Apply a thin, even layer of honey to clean, dry skin. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry.

 

2. Honey and Lemon Sore Throat Soother:

• Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of raw honey, 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, 1/2 cup of warm water (optional: a pinch of ginger or a herbal tea bag).

• Instructions: Stir the honey and lemon juice into the warm water. Sip slowly to soothe a sore throat. You can also add a pinch of ginger for extra anti-inflammatory benefits or steep a mild herbal tea bag (like chamomile) in the water before adding the honey and lemon.

 

Q) Is all crystallized honey old or bad?

A) No, crystallized honey isn't necessarily old or bad. It's a natural process where sugars separate, often in pure honey. It's still safe to eat and can be reliquified by gently warming.

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Q) Why does the color of honey vary?

A) The color of honey varies primarily due to the type of flower nectar the bees collect. While there's a general tendency for lighter honeys to be milder and darker honeys to be stronger in flavor, color is not a definitive indicator of taste or quality. You can't solely judge a honey's flavor profile by its appearance, as exceptions exist and other factors contribute to its unique characteristics.

 

Q) Do honeybees hibernate or sleep during the winter?

A) Honeybees survive the winter by forming a tight winter cluster when temperatures drop below 50-57°F. This cluster is a ball of bees with the queen in the warmer center around 90-100°F, surrounded by layers of worker bees that generate heat by shivering their flight muscles. The outer layer of bees acts as insulation, and individual bees rotate within the cluster to share the warmth.

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