Order Your Bees: Yes, you can order bees! Many suppliers ship bee packages in the spring, complete with a queen bee to get your colony buzzing. There are tons of suppliers of bees, so be sure to shop around for the best prices and breeds of bees you are wanting the most!
Beekeeping isn’t just rewarding because of the honey (although that’s a huge perk). Watching bees work is oddly therapeutic, and you’ll be doing your large part to support pollinators in your area.
Honey’s Health Perks
We all know honey is sweet, but did you know it’s also a health powerhouse? Here are just a few of its benefits:
Natural Energy Booster: A spoonful of honey is a quick and effective way to fuel up thanks to its natural sugars.
Soothes Sore Throats: Add it to warm tea with lemon, and you’ve got a time-tested remedy for coughs and colds.
Wound Healing: Honey’s antibacterial properties make it great for treating minor cuts and burns.
Rich in Antioxidants: These help reduce inflammation and protect your cells from damage.
Cooking with Honey: Sweet and Savory Ideas
Honey isn’t just for tea and toast (though it’s excellent for both). Here are some creative ways to use it in the kitchen:
Drizzle Over Cheese: Pair honey with sharp cheddar or creamy brie for an elegant appetizer.
Sweeten Marinades: Add honey to marinades for chicken, salmon, or tofu for a sweet, caramelized finish.
Upgrade Veggies: Roast carrots or Brussels sprouts with a honey glaze for a side dish that steals the show.
Bake with It: Swap sugar for honey in baked goods for a more natural sweetness. I don’t have granulated sugar in my house and only use honey for all of my baking (including bread recipes!)
Pro tip: When substituting honey for sugar, use ¾ cup of honey for every cup of sugar and reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly.
Honey and Sustainability: A Sweet Deal
Buying honey (especially raw, local honey) is a small but powerful way to contribute to a healthier planet.
Every jar represents a thriving hive, pollinated crops, and the hard work of beekeepers and their bees.
So the next time you reach for that golden jar, remember: honey isn’t just food.
It’s a little miracle in a jar.
Whether you’re drizzling it over yogurt, using it to soothe a sore throat, or dreaming of starting your own hive, honey is a reminder that nature’s sweetest things often come from the tiniest creatures.
Now go ahead…grab a spoon and enjoy!
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