I am often asked if it is true that you should never use metal spoons with honey. There’s a widespread belief that honey should never come into contact with metal. Some people are even insisting that only wooden utensils should be used. But where does this idea come from, and is there any truth to …
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BEE-SPLAINING: Is It True You Should Never Use Metal Spoons with Honey?
Soft Set Honey – What is it & How is it Made?
Ever wondered what gives soft set honey its irresistible texture and unique flavors? In this blog, we’ll demystify the process behind this delectable delight, from the role of glucose and fructose sugars in natural granulation to the distinct nuances of spring set, summer set, and Ivy honey varieties. I’ll even tell you how to make …
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BEE-SPLAINING: Does a solar eclipse affect bees?
Does a solar eclipse affect bees? The short answer is: Yes, it does!
And the reason why becomes particularly interesting when you understand how bees use the sun.
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The Spike Island poppy – From an abandoned prison island to my cottage garden
I came across this poppy over 15 years ago, when we went exploring the then deserted prison island of Spike Island in the middle of Cork Harbour.
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Does Harvesting Propolis Harm Bees?
Harvesting propolis does not harm bees if approached with care. Its volatile nature ensures that bees are constantly replenishing it, and beekeepers can safely collect surplus from seasonal honey supers or traps. By respecting the brood nest and winter stores, we can enjoy the benefits of propolis while allowing bees to maintain the powerful natural defenses that underpin their health.
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Propolis: Health Benefits and How to Use It
Propolis is a biologically active honeybee product rich in antimicrobial plant compounds. This complete consumer guide explains what propolis is, what it supports, the evidence behind it, and how to choose the correct product and dosage for your needs.
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Does Honey Contain Propolis?
Honey and propolis are often treated as separate hive products. Research now shows that propolis-derived compounds enter honey during ripening, changing how we understand both honey, propolis and what happens inside the hive.
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Honey and Immune Support: How Honeybee Products Support Immune Health
Honey is often described as being “good for immunity”, but what that support actually involves is rarely explained. This article explores how honey, propolis, pollen and bee bread support immune health in clearly defined, evidence-led ways.
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Royal Jelly: What it is and why bees make it
Royal jelly is best understood through its role in the honeybee colony. This article explains what it is, how bees produce it, and why its biological function comes before its use by humans.
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Winter Solstice & Honeybees – What do bees do on the shortest day?
The winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year, but for honeybees it is not an ending — it is a turning point. Long before spring arrives, the lengthening of daylight begins to guide what happens inside the hive.
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Swedish Christmas Ham with Honey Mustard Crust – Julskinka
This Swedish Christmas ham with honey mustard crust is a traditional julskinka, gently cooked and finished with a savoury, lightly sweet crust. Rooted in family tradition, it brings a subtle honeyed twist to a classic Scandinavian Christmas dish.
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