Frequently asked questions
Q: Why your honey? why not the little squeezable honey bear jars?
A: Its is documented - certain large scale honey producers are tossing in additives and “cutting” their honey with other products to reduce costs and increase yield and profits. Thats most of the honey you buy at big box stores, even the organic ones. By focusing on local resources we ONLY sell what we produce in our “out apiary” locations. BESIDES that, we sell a much more attractive option - HERE.
Q: where do the bees i purchase come from?
A: These queens and little ladies are a couple of generations into being raised in the areas local to Rockland / Westchester counties at the moment.
Q: How much honey is generated by one of your hives?
A: Though it may vary, we gather roughly 30lbs of honey from any one of our stellar hives. This can vary depending on location, seasonal changes but that amount seems to be “the norm" when compared to other hives of similar size and breeds.
Q: how do your bees effect the community?
A: We pride ourselves on raising bees within the small spaces available within the communities, as opposed to farmland that is not within our local area. As local as local can be, we place hives on rooftops and in small gardens. Our neighbors have told us that within a year or two of a local hive, the flowers and the garden prodution within their gardens have become more bountiful and better quality. In addition, we end up putting money back into the community by selling at local markets and teaching students through our volunteer efforts.
Q: When do i get my bees?
A: As long as we feel our little ladies are ready to be sent off for duty, we'll send them out. Usually that is anywhere from late April to early May. We may take earlier orders, but the ladies may not be ready for their journey until we say so... patience is a virtue.
Q: does all honey taste the same?
A: Certainly not! Honey flavors will change depending on season their locations, access to local flora and time of harvest. Some beekeepers will send their hives to particular fields containing crops of a particular flora which will translate to a different taste in the honey they produce.
Q: Local honey? does that really make a difference?
A: It is widely believed the trace amounts of pollen consumed in honey raised within 50 miles of your home assists in building immunity to allergens which may flare up on occasion. Over time, steady consumption of local honey may greatly suppress a particular allergy.
RESOURCEs
SOME of the many helpful honey bee related sources from around the web…
https://www.honey.com - The first stop to get some quality, trusted and vetted information for any honey or honeybee related.
https://www.beeculture.com - The Magazine of American Beekeeping
https://herewebee.wordpress.com/2017/03/19/michael-palmer-and-the-sustainable-apiary/ - Mike Palmer’s path to the Sustainable Apiary model. A go-to for the Fly Honey Farms crew.