Question 1

What does it mean if my honey is starting to crystallize in the jar?

Accepted Answer

Honey crystallizing is a completely normal process and it doesn't mean the honey has gone bad. Honey is made up of two main sugars: glucose and fructose. Honeys that have more fructose, like Tupelo Honey, don't usually crystallize. Those with more glucose might crystallize over time, but this doesn't change the taste at all. To keep honey smooth, it's best to store it at room temperature.

If your honey has crystallized and you want it smooth again, just warm it up gently. You can put the jar in warm water for about 20 minutes or run it under hot water. Stirring it a bit will help evenly warm it up. Also, if you have our creamed honey, it's meant to be a bit crystallized. Just store it somewhere cool, but don't refrigerate it, as it might get too thick to spread easily.

Question 2

How should I store honeycomb?

Accepted Answer

To store raw honeycomb properly, keep it at room temperature, either in a cabinet or on a countertop. It's best to leave it in its plastic box to protect it from any pests. Make sure to keep it away from water. There's no need to refrigerate honeycomb, as that could cause it to crystallize.

Question 3

Can I eat honeycomb?

Accepted Answer

The wax cells in honeycomb are not just edible; they are also highly beneficial as they are rich in natural vitamin A and provide beneficial fiber.

Question 4

How long does honey last, and why does it have an expiration date on its container?

Accepted Answer

Honey is known for its incredibly long shelf life and doesn't actually spoil. In fact, pots of honey that are still edible have been discovered in Egyptian tombs thousands of years old. We put expiration dates on our bottles because they are often required by retailers, but these dates are just for compliance with store policies. Although honey doesn’t spoil, it does taste best within the first few years of its harvest, unlike wine which can improve with age.

Question 5

How is honey beneficial for my allergies?

Accepted Answer

Many people find that honey, especially when fresh and raw, helps reduce allergy symptoms. There’s some evidence suggesting that honeycomb could be even more effective for those with allergies and asthma, though the reasons aren’t fully understood. Trying it out is low-risk, as the main side effect is just a bit of extra energy. If you're interested, try having a tablespoon of raw honey or honeycomb every morning and evening.

Question 6

How is honey made from a single type of flower?

Accepted Answer

To get honey that comes from just one type of flower, beekeepers place hives near large clusters of that flower, like tupelo trees in swamps. Bees tend to stick to one type of flower when they collect nectar, a habit known as "flower fidelity." This helps ensure that they mostly gather nectar from the specific type of plant nearby. Once the flowers stop blooming, which usually takes about two weeks, beekeepers collect the honey. Then, they move the hives to a new location with a different type of flower in bloom, and the process starts all over.

Question 7

Are bees really disappearing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there's been a lot of concern about something called colony collapse disorder, where honeybees are vanishing. This issue is indeed worrying. If you're looking to help, avoiding the use of chemicals known as neonicotinoids, and planting a variety of flowers that bloom at different times. These steps can support bee populations and their environment.

Question 8

Is Hero's Honey Kosher certified?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all Hero's Honey is certified Kosher by the KSA, and you'll find the KSA certification logo on all our honey bottle and jar labels. If you need more details about our Kosher certification or other food safety practices, feel free to contact us.

Question 9

Why honey is not recommended for infants under one year of age?

Accepted Answer

Honey can contain tiny particles called botulinum endospores, which are common in the natural environment like soil and dust. Older children and adults have digestive systems robust enough to eliminate these spores, infants do not. This makes babies particularly vulnerable to an illness called botulism if they consume honey or any other foods that might be contaminated with these spores. Although it's rare for infant botulism to be directly linked to honey, it's still best to avoid giving it to infants under one year old just to be safe.

Question 10

Is the Hero's Honey facility nut-free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our facility avoids all major US allergens, including nuts. We follow strict procedures to prevent allergen cross-contamination, ensuring that products like our liquid and whipped honeys, which are heat-treated and filtered, are safe from allergens. Our honeycomb, however, is raw and might contain traces of pollen, but is processed separately to avoid cross-contamination. All products are sealed to maintain safety.

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