Honey is primarily made up of sugars, mainly fructose and glucose. It also contains small amounts of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, and antioxidants. Bees collect nectar from flowers and, through a process of regurgitation and evaporation, transform it into honey inside the hive.

Some people believe that consuming local honey may help reduce allergy symptoms. The idea is that honey contains trace amounts of pollen from local flowers, and consuming it regularly may help build a tolerance to allergens. However, scientific evidence on this is limited.

Wildflower honey is truly unique because it is made from the nectar of a diverse array of flowers found in natural, untamed landscapes. Unlike honey derived from a single flower source, wildflower honey captures the essence of an entire ecosystem, offering a rich and complex flavor profile that varies depending on the region and the seasons. This variety in nectar sources not only creates a distinct taste but also gives wildflower honey a wide range of beneficial properties, as it often contains an array of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, because it is harvested from wild, unspoiled areas, wildflower honey often retains more of the natural characteristics of its environment, making it a true reflection of nature’s beauty and diversity.

Honey crystallizes because it is a supersaturated solution of sugars, mainly glucose and fructose. Over time, the glucose in the honey forms crystals. This is a natural process and does not affect the quality of honey. If your honey crystallizes, you can gently warm it to return it to a liquid state.

To test if honey is pure, you can try a simple water test: Drop a spoonful of honey into a glass of water. Pure honey will sink to the bottom, while fake or adulterated honey may dissolve quickly. Another way is to look for honey that is labeled "raw" or "unfiltered," as these are more likely to be pure.

The main difference is in how they're processed.

Grocery Store Honey: This honey is usually heated (pasteurized) and filtered, which makes it clear and smooth but removes many of its natural nutrients, like enzymes and antioxidants. Some store-bought honey might also be mixed with added sweeteners, like corn syrup.

Raw Honey from a Honey Farm: Raw honey is minimally processed and is usually just strained to remove debris. It keeps all its natural goodness, like pollen and enzymes. Raw honey often has a richer taste, thicker texture, and can crystallize over time. It also offers more health benefits, like supporting immunity and digestion.

Raw honey can last forever if stored properly. It won’t spoil because of its natural properties. It may crystallize over time, but this is normal. Just warm it up to make it liquid again. Keep it in a cool, dry place in a sealed container.

Yes, honey can soothe a sore throat due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps coat the throat and reduce irritation. Many people mix honey with warm water or herbal tea for added relief. For an extra boost, adding natural grated ginger to the tea along with honey or lemon can help ease pain and inflammation, as ginger has its own soothing and healing properties.

Cooking with honey offers several benefits:

1. Natural Sweetener: Honey is a natural alternative to refined sugar, providing sweetness with added nutrients, such as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, like vitamin C and calcium.

2. Moisture Retention: Honey helps retain moisture in baked goods, keeping them soft and fresh for longer. This is especially helpful in recipes like cakes, muffins, and bread.

3. Flavor Complexity: Honey adds depth and complexity to dishes, with its subtle floral, fruity, or rich flavors depending on the variety. It pairs well with both savory and sweet dishes, enhancing flavors in marinades, dressings, sauces, and desserts.

4. Healthier Cooking: Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can offer health benefits when used in cooking. It can also be soothing for the throat and digestive system.

5. Lower Glycemic Index: Honey has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar, meaning it raises blood sugar levels more slowly, making it a better option for those looking to manage their blood sugar.

6. Caramelization: Honey can be used to achieve a beautiful caramelization when cooking meats or vegetables, providing a delicious golden-brown color and rich flavor.

Overall, honey adds not only sweetness but also nutrition, flavor, and moisture to your cooking, making it a versatile ingredient for a variety of recipes.

Infused honey is becoming popular because it adds unique flavors to both sweet and savory dishes. By infusing honey with herbs, spices, or fruits like lavender, rosemary, citrus, or even hot peppers, it creates new tastes that pair beautifully with cheeses, meats, and fruits on charcuterie boards. Varieties like hot honey and creamed honey bring even more versatility, offering a spicy kick or a smooth, spreadable texture. Infused honey adds sweetness, depth, and variety, while still offering the natural health benefits of honey, such as antioxidants. Whether drizzled over desserts or used as a glaze, infused honey brings an exciting twist to any meal.

Swarm removal involves relocating a group of bees that have temporarily gathered outside, typically on a tree or building. Honey bee removal from a structure, however, is more complex, as it involves extracting bees that have built a hive inside a wall, attic, or other parts of a building. In Georgia, honey bee removal requires a licensed professional due to the need for careful hive removal and to prevent damage or future infestations. Swarm removal is simpler, as the bees are just passing through, while honey bee removal requires more specialized care and expertise.