Honey season is here!

As we move into glorious May, honey season is arriving. This natural ingredient is packed with health benefits and flavour for our kitchens, and it's also produced in a fascinating way. Let's take a closer look.

What is the best time of year to produce honey?

It's time to prepare those honey jars because spring and summer are the classic months for honey production. This is because flowers are in bloom and full of the nectar that bees need. Bees forage for nectar and pollen at this time of year and use it to make honey for the colony. Beekeepers then harvest any extra honey that is left over after the bees have produced in spring and summer.

How is honey produced?

Honey production is a complex and fascinating process that begins with bees gathering nectar from flowers that are in bloom. The colony then processes the nectar in the hive using evaporation and enzymes to reduce its natural water content and refine the nectar into a sticky, sweet substance, which becomes honey. The nectar process actually occurs in the stomach of each bee. The bee sucks up nectar using its probiscus, then their stomach enzymes break down the nectar's complex sugars into simple sugars. Bees then regurgitate the nectar in the hive and pass it between one another, reducing water and making the honey thicker and thicker until it can be stored in the cells of the honeycomb. The bees then cap it with a thin wax layer to seal and protect it.

Once beekeepers see that honeycomb cells are capped, they know that the honey can be harvested. Their skill allows them to do this in a way that ensures the colony has all of the honey it needs for survival during the cold winter months. Beekeeping is a specialist art that requires years to learn, and it's a hugely fascinating hobby too, with a thriving following in the UK.

Why should honey be stored in glass?

Quality honey is almost always stored in a glass jar, and our honey glass jar range is always a top seller with artisan producers. So why do beekeepers prefer glass honey jars? Well, glass jars are the best choice because the material is non-porous and reactive, so it maintains the honey's delicate flavour, quality and texture. This is particularly important for high-end honeys that might have a particular natural flavour or specific health properties.

Glass honey jars also keep the honey airtight, so that it doesn't crystallise or ferment. And, unlike plastic honey jars, a glass honey jar doesn't contain chemicals. With plastic storage jars, chemicals can leach into the contents.

Another benefit of glass honey jars is that they can keep honey fresh for longer by providing an airtight seal, and they are also highly recyclable. Last but not least, glass jars look lovely, and they also allow the natural colour of each individual honey to shine through. This is great for producers who want to show the quality of their product or highlight specific features, such as honeycomb or certain honey colours.

Interesting facts about honey

Honey is a fascinating natural substance that is produced by honeybees, and when it is properly stored in a glass jar, it doesn't spoil. In fact, it's natural acidity and high sugar content creates an environment that is incompatible with microorganisms and bacteria. It's been used by people for thousands of years, dating as far back as the ancient Egyptians, where traces of honey have been found in cultural remains.

Honey is also a natural sweetener that is 25% sweeter than sugar, with a beautiful and distinctive taste that adds real depth of flavour to recipes. That's not surprising when you consider that bees need to visit around two million flowers to produce a pound of honey! For example, honey tastes wonderful when paired with salty ingredients such as fresh goat's cheese in a salad, or with citrus fruit such as this polenta cake: https://www.waitrose.com/ecom/recipe/lemon-thyme-blossom-honey-polenta-cake?srsltid=AfmBOooXCCUjouY2sHYxVr_1bdIaNuIKoZqT3vg_HfV57LiDmpjRy-XI.

It's also interesting to consider that honey is the only product made by insects that humans consume. Its flavours and colours change according to the variety of flowers that the bees source their nectar from, including pine forests and lavender fields. Nothing makes a lovelier gift than a range of glass jars filled with different honeys in a range of shades and flavours.

Stock up on honey jars today

We have a fantastic range of honey glass jars for sale at Wares of Knutsford, and producers will enjoy substantial unit cost savings on our large pallets and bulk orders. We offer different styles and sizes of glass jars, various lids and fantastic delivery rates. Got any queries about products at Wares of Knutsford, or looking for some advice to complete your purchase? Our friendly team is always here to help. Please do get in touch and discover the Wares of Kntusford difference, which includes our commitment to using zero plastic in our business. You'll receive your glass jar order wrapped in paper to support your own sustainable home or eco-friendly business.