Honey FAQs: Sweet Answers to Sticky Questions!

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Raw honey is honey that has not been heated or pasteurized, preserving its natural enzymes, vitamins, and antioxidants. It is strained to remove debris but still contains pollen and small wax particles.

Raw honey is unprocessed and retains its natural nutrients and flavor. Regular honey is often pasteurized and filtered, which can remove beneficial components like pollen and enzymes.

Yes, raw honey is safe for most people. However, it should not be given to children under one year old due to the risk of botulism.

No, raw honey does not expire if stored properly. It may crystallize over time, but this is a natural process and does not indicate spoilage.

Raw honey crystallizes because it contains natural glucose, which forms crystals over time. The process is a sign of pure, unprocessed honey and does not affect its quality.

Place the jar of honey in warm (not boiling) water and stir gently until it re-liquifies. Avoid using a microwave, as high heat can destroy its nutrients.

Raw honey contains antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. It may help soothe sore throats, boost energy, and support digestive health. It also has natural antibacterial properties.

Store raw honey in a cool, dry place in a tightly sealed container. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.

Local raw honey is often fresher, supports local beekeepers, and may contain pollen from local plants, which some believe can help with seasonal allergies.

Some people claim that consuming local raw honey can help with seasonal allergies by exposing them to small amounts of local pollen, but scientific evidence is limited.

Raw honey should list “raw” on the label. It often has a richer flavor, a cloudy appearance, and may crystallize over time, indicating it hasn’t been processed.

We offer a selection of raw, locally sourced New Jersey honeys. Our early-season honey is made from nectar gathered primarily from apple blossoms, autumn olive, and black locust. Summer honey features nectar from tulip poplar, various wildflowers, sunflowers, and clover. Late-season honey comes from buckwheat, knotweed, goldenrod, and asters. Each variety offers its own distinct and delicious flavor profile.

Yes, raw honey can be used in cooking and baking. However, to retain its nutrients, add it to recipes after cooking whenever possible.

The color of raw honey varies based on the flowers the bees forage. Darker honey usually has a stronger flavor, while lighter honey is milder.

Our local raw honey is not organic. For honey to be certified organic, beekeepers must meet strict standards, including ensuring their bees forage on certified organic flowers.  This is not possible in New Jersey.

Yes, raw honey is an excellent natural sweetener. It can be used in tea, coffee, smoothies, and recipes as a healthier alternative to refined sugar.

Bees collect nectar from flowers, store it in their honey stomachs, and bring it back to the hive. There, they convert nectar into honey by adding enzymes and reducing its moisture content.

Purchasing local honey supports beekeepers who play a vital role in pollination. This helps maintain biodiversity and healthy ecosystems in your area. At Garden State Apiaries, we also collaborate with landowners to plant native wildflowers whenever possible, creating essential habitats for pollinators.

You can purchase our local raw honey directly from our Online Store, reaching out to us at 609-373-2393, or at select farmers’ markets and retail locations across New Jersey.