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 …
More
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 …
More
BEE-SPLAINING: What is raw honey?
What is raw honey? It sounds like a question with a simple answer, but it really isn’t. Everyone seems to have a different opinion, and legally, raw honey sits in something of a grey area. In this Bee-Splaining, we take a much closer look at what raw honey actually means.
More
EU suspends honey imports from Brazil
The EU has suspended honey imports from Brazil from 3 September 2026 after Brazil failed to provide the guarantees required under new EU rules concerning antimicrobials. Here’s what the decision means for consumers and why the new honey country-of-origin labels matter.
More
Consumer guide to EU honey labelling regulations
New EU honey labelling regulations make it easier to see where blended honey is declared to come from. This consumer guide explains what has changed, what the new labels reveal about honey origin and what they do not tell us about authenticity.
More
How does Glyphosate affect honeybees? New research on foraging and brain chemistry
Glyphosate is not generally considered acutely toxic to honeybees because bees lack the biological pathway it is designed to target. Research shows, however, that surviving exposure does not mean honeybees remain unaffected.
More
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.
More
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.
More
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.
More
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.
More
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.
More