Raw honey is honey that has not been heated or heavily processed after it is harvested from the hive. At MDB Apiaries, our honey is lightly strained only to remove larger bits of wax or debris, keeping the honey just as the bees made it.

Raw local honey offers several natural benefits while providing a delicious alternative to processed sweeteners. Because it is minimally processed and sourced from local plants, it retains many of its natural qualities.

Key benefits include:

• Natural nutrients: Contains enzymes, antioxidants, and trace vitamins
• Supports local agriculture: Helps pollinate crops and sustain local farms
• May help with seasonal allergies: Made from local pollen sources (results vary)
• Natural energy source: Provides quick, natural fuel without refined sugars
• Rich flavor: Reflects the unique wildflowers of Central Alabama
• Minimally processed: Lightly filtered and not overheated

At MDB Apiaries, our Southern Sweet Nectar Wildflower Honey is harvested in Macon County and carefully handled to preserve its natural character.

Not exactly. Our honey is lightly strained, not filtered under pressure or heat. This keeps the honey natural and authentic while making it pleasant to use and enjoy.

Crystallization is natural and normal, especially in raw honey. It happens when the natural sugars in honey begin to form crystals over time. Temperature, floral source, and storage conditions all influence how quickly honey crystallizes. Crystallization is often a sign that honey is raw and minimally processed.

The safest way to decrystallize raw honey is by using a gentle double boiler method, which helps return honey to a liquid state without damaging its natural qualities.

Steps:

1. Place the honey jar (with the lid loosened or removed) into a pot or heat-safe bowl.
2. Add warm water so it reaches about halfway up the side of the jar.
3. Heat the water slowly on low heat. Do not allow the water to boil.
4. Stir the honey occasionally as it warms.
5. Once the crystals dissolve, remove the jar and allow it to cool.

Important tips:

• Keep the water warm, not hot.
• Avoid boiling water or high heat.
• Never microwave raw honey, as it can overheat quickly.
• Slow, gentle warming helps keep the honey just as the bees made it.

No. Honey has an extremely long shelf life when stored properly. Crystallization does not mean the honey is spoiled or unsafe to eat. It simply reflects honey’s natural composition.

Local honey is typically:

• Harvested closer to where you live
• Less processed
• More reflective of local wildflowers and seasonal changes

Commercial honey is often blended from many sources and heavily processed for uniform color and texture.

Our honey is produced by bees located in Macon County, Alabama, including apiaries in Tuskegee and Shorter. Our bees forage on a diverse mix of wildflowers and flowering plants found throughout Central Alabama.

Honey changes naturally based on:

• Which flowers are in bloom
• Seasonal conditions
• Weather patterns

Lighter honey often has a milder flavor, while darker honey tends to have a bolder, richer taste.

Raw honey is safe for most people. However, honey should not be given to infants under one year of age, due to the risk of infant botulism. This applies to all honey, raw or processed.

Honey should be stored:

• At room temperature
• With the lid tightly closed
• Away from direct sunlight

Refrigeration is not recommended, as it speeds up crystallization.

During cold weather, honey bees form a tight cluster inside the hive to stay warm. They generate heat by vibrating their flight muscles and take turns moving from the outside of the cluster to the warmer center. Bees heat the cluster, not the hive, and survive the winter by consuming stored honey.

Bees play a vital role in pollination. Healthy honey bee colonies help support:

• Fruit and vegetable production
• Seed development
• Biodiversity

Our bees contribute to pollination on local farms and flowering plants throughout Central Alabama.

Southern Sweet Nectar Wildflower Honey is available:

• Through our website
• Via local delivery within 30 miles of Montgomery, Alabama
• At select local retail partners
• At the Macon County Farmers Market during the market season

Many people are accustomed to heavily processed honey with a very uniform flavor. Raw, local honey reflects the natural diversity of flowers in the area, resulting in richer and more complex flavor notes.

• Worker bees live about 6 weeks during the busy season
• Winter bees can live 4–6 months
• Queens may live 3–5 years

Bees make honey as their food supply, especially for winter when flowers are not blooming. Beekeepers harvest only excess honey, leaving the colony with what it needs to survive.

A healthy, well-mated queen can lay 1,500 to 2,000 eggs per day during peak spring and early summer. In strong colonies with abundant pollen and nectar, some queens may lay even more.

Bees don’t sleep like humans, but they do rest. Worker bees have periods of reduced activity, and researchers have observed bees lying still and relaxing their antennae.

Bees can recognize patterns, colors, and smells, but they don’t recognize individual humans the way pets do. Calm behavior and gentle movements help reduce defensive responses.

Bees sting to defend their hive, not to attack people. Honey bees can sting only once and will do so only when they perceive a threat near the colony

Bees are responsible for pollinating a large portion of the food we eat, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Pollination also supports healthy ecosystems and wildlife habitats.

Honey bees are not native to North America. They were brought by early European settlers. However, they now play a critical role in modern agriculture alongside native pollinators.

• Nectar provides carbohydrates (energy)
• Pollen provides protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals needed to raise young bee

Both are essential for a healthy colony.

Honey does not spoil when stored properly. Archaeologists have found edible honey in ancient tombs. Over time, honey may crystallize or darken, but it remains safe to eat.

• Supports regional pollination
• Helps maintain strong, healthy colonies adapted to local conditions
• Produces honey that reflects the unique plants and seasons of the area