Table of Contents
General Honey Information
What is honey?
Honey is a sweet, golden liquid produced by bees using the nectar from flowers. The nectar is collected by bees, transformed into honey through natural processes, and stored in honeycombs inside the hive.
How is honey made?
Bees collect nectar from flowers and store it in their honey stomachs. Back at the hive, they pass the nectar to other worker bees, who break it down into simpler sugars. The bees then store the honey in honeycomb cells and fan it with their wings to reduce moisture, thickening it into the sweet honey we know and love.
What are the different types of honey?
There are over 300 varieties of honey, each with its own unique flavor, color, and aroma. The differences come from the specific flowers the bees visit. Popular varieties include clover, wildflower, buckwheat, orange blossom, manuka, and sourwood honey.
Why does honey vary in color and taste?
The color and flavor of honey depend on the nectar source. For example, wildflower honey tends to have a mild, floral taste, while buckwheat honey is dark and robust. Typically, lighter honey has a milder taste, while darker honey has a bolder, richer flavor.
What is raw honey?
Raw honey is honey that hasn’t been heated, pasteurized, or microfiltered. It retains natural nutrients like pollen, enzymes, antioxidants, and trace vitamins and minerals that are often lost in commercial processing.
What makes Hive & Holler’s honey special?
Our honey is 100% pure, raw, and never heated or microfiltered. It’s packed with all the natural goodness that raw honey offers, including pollen, enzymes, and antioxidants. Plus, it’s sourced directly from our hives, giving it a unique taste you won’t find elsewhere.
Health & Safety
What are the health benefits of honey?
Honey is rich in antioxidants, has natural antibacterial properties, and may help soothe sore throats, support digestion, and boost energy. It’s also used in skincare for its moisturizing and healing benefits. However, honey should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment.
Can infants eat honey?
No, honey should never be given to infants under 12 months old. It can contain Clostridium botulinum spores, which may cause infant botulism — a rare but serious illness.
Is honey good for my skin?
Yes, honey is a popular ingredient in skincare products. It’s known for its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, which can support a healthy complexion and soothe irritated skin.
Does honey contain allergens?
Honey itself is not a common allergen, but it may contain traces of pollen from flowers. People with severe pollen allergies should exercise caution.
Is honey gluten-free?
Yes, honey is naturally gluten-free.
Is honey vegan?
This depends on personal interpretation. Some vegans avoid honey because it’s produced by bees, while others view it as an ethically harvested, animal-free food.
Storage & Shelf Life
How should I store honey?
Store honey in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It does not need to be refrigerated.
Can honey go bad?
Honey does not spoil if stored properly. It’s one of the only foods known to last indefinitely due to its low moisture content and natural acidity. Over time, it may crystallize, but this does not mean it’s gone bad.
What is crystallization, and how do I fix it?
Crystallization is a natural process where the glucose in honey separates from the water, forming sugar crystals. To restore it, place the jar in a bowl of warm (not boiling) water and stir until the crystals dissolve. Avoid using a microwave, as it can overheat the honey.
What is the white foam on top of honey?
The white foam is air bubbles that form naturally during extraction and bottling. It’s harmless and does not affect the taste or quality of the honey.
Fun Facts & Curiosities
How many flowers does it take to make one pound of honey?
It takes about 2 million flower visits to produce one pound of honey.
How far do bees travel to make honey?
Bees may travel up to 55,000 miles to collect enough nectar to produce just one pound of honey.
How much honey does a single bee produce?
Over its lifetime, a single honeybee produces about 1/12th of a teaspoon of honey.
What’s the oldest honey ever discovered?
Archaeologists found pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that were still perfectly edible, proving honey’s legendary shelf life.
This FAQ is designed to grow as new questions arise. If there’s something you’d like to know that isn’t covered here, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to share the magic of honey with you!