What is raw, unfiltered honey?
Raw, unfiltered honey hasn't been heated and has only been lightly strained, which means that all the good stuff that gives honey positive benefits (bioactive antioxidants, propolis, and pollen) are fully intact. With processed honey, the heating and ultrafiltration process destroys or removes many of these elements.
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Because the honey hasn't been processed it will crystalize. Some people prefer this since it makes it easier to spoon into tea or spread on a sandwich. If you find it's too granular for your taste, you can simply place the jar into a warm water bath which will return the honey to its liquid state.
What is creamed honey? Does it have dairy in it?
It goes by many different names: Creamed, whipped, churned, spun - none do a good job at describing what it really is. Creamed honey is simply honey that has been "convinced" to crystalize with much smaller crystals that it typically does when you leave it out on your shelf. No dairy. no air. Just honey
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Typically, if you leave raw honey out at room temperature it crystalizes into fairly large sugar crystals which is fine but for many is too crunchy to enjoy on toast or biscuits. Creamed honey is also crystalized but instead of crystalizing on its own, a bit of seed honey is added (from last year's creamed honey) and so when the rest of the honey crystalizes it forms lovely, velvety, small crystals which provides the best (my opinion) honey product that 1) doesn't drip all over (particularly important when you have young kids who want to help make their own sandwiches), 2) doesn't crystalize in huge grains (people often re-liquify their grainy honey in a water bath) and 3) tastes amazing!
How can I help bees?
Luckily, honey bees can be cared for by beekeepers who can monitor them and help to protect them, give them additional food when needed, and treat them for illness. Native pollinators are not so lucky and cannot be "managed" like honey bees.
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Planting pollinator friendly gardens can be a huge help! In Everett & Snohomish County, some popular pollinator friendly plants include aster, marigold, coneflower, lilac, and lavender. You can also ask about plants that attract native pollinators at your local garden store.
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Lastly, don't spray your yard or weeds. If you do feel you have to spray them, don't spray while the flowers are blooming. Many "weeds" are important food sources for pollinators and if you spray while they are in bloom, contaminated nectar can be brought back to the hive resulting in a total colony collapse.
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How do I get started in Beekeeping?
My number one piece of advice is to join a local bee club. For those in the Everett & Snohomish area, the Northwest District Beekeepers Association (NWDBA) is a great choice. (Full disclosure, I am a current Board Member). Meetings are free to the public & membership supports honey bee education and you can be connected with experienced beekeepers for mentorship. On occasion the club offers beekeeping classes, which Snohomish Bee Company also offers. Take a class or read a detailed book before deciding to purchase bees. There is a fairly significant up front cost and you don't want to be frustrated when you get your first bees and don't know what to do.
Do you do events?
I do not regularly host learning events. You can request a volunteer through NWDBA (linked above) for community education events. If you are interested in a private event, please email wellsfamilyhoney@gmail.com