Honey is one of the most unique, versatile foods in nature, and you’ve likely had it countless times as a condiment. Many people enjoy all-natural products directly from a honeybee farm, but they often want to know more about what makes the famous substance so special. Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.

What Honey Lovers Want to Know About Natural Products

Where does honey come from?

Bees produce honey to store as a food source during winter. This is because nectar—a sugary liquid—is less available when flowers aren’t blooming. 

The workers carry nectar to their hive, add enzymes, and store it away. Gradually, water evaporates, and the nectar is converted. When the time is right, the honey is pulled off of the hives and taken to the honey house for extraction from the removable combs (frames).

What is natural honey made of? 

Natural products rely only on existing qualities, containing around 80% natural sugars, 18% water, and a variety of nutrients. There are no artificial colors or synthetic additives to generate flavor, texture, or appearance. The honey is stored in large settling tanks to allow impurities to rise to the surface. This allows the pure honey to be bottled without extraneous beeswax and other impurities getting into the finished product.

Is natural honey healthy?

Natural honey harvested from a reputable farm has many health benefits. It contains antioxidants like phenolic acids and flavonoids that can help fight disease and cell damage in the body. 

As a sugar substitute, natural honey may also lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure levels to prevent heart disease. Some cultures apply honey to wounds to promote healing, believing it cultivates microorganisms to prevent infection.

How should I store honey?

Once you purchase natural honey from a honeybee farm, store it at room temperature. It has no expiration date and can be stored in the refrigerator if you prefer a more viscous texture as it will be thicker and less runny the colder it is. Freezing little blobs of honey actually produces a taffy-like effect and makes a great treat. Over time, the honey may crystallize. To make it smoother again, place the jar in a bowl of hot water until the dextrin solids (crystals) are re-absorbed into the solution.

Register Family Farm is proud to offer high-quality natural honey at their Freeport, FL, honeybee farm. They’re committed to sustainable production, offering both wildflower and the famously unique Tupelo varieties. Explore their products and gift baskets on their website or call (850) 392-7404 to speak with a team member.