Sweet Curiosities: All About Raw Honey
Welcome to our golden hive of knowledge! This page is here to answer your most common questions about the pure, raw, and unpasteurised honey our bees work so hard to create. We've gathered some helpful tips on caring for your honey, along with a few incredible facts about the journey from flower to jar. Dive in and discover the magic behind every sweet drop.
The Journey of Every Jar
How many flowers are visited to make a single jar of honey?
It’s a massive team effort! To produce just one pound of honey, bees need to visit approximately 2 million flowers. Our bees fly thousands of miles across Hadley Wood to bring you that specific golden flavor.
How much honey does one bee produce in its lifetime?
A single honeybee produces only about 1/12th of a teaspoon of honey during her entire life. This small but precious amount is why we harvest with such care—every drop represents a whole lifetime of hard work.
Why does honey crystallize?
Honey crystallizes because it is a supersaturated solution of glucose and fructose, meaning it contains more sugar than the water can naturally hold. Over time, the glucose separates from the water and creates crystals. This is a natural, healthy process driven by high glucose levels, temperature (especially 10–15°C/50–59°F), and the presence of small particles like pollen that act as seeds for crystal growth.
How do I gently liquify my honey?
If you prefer your honey runny, it's very easy to return it to its liquid state. Simply place the glass jar into a bowl of warm water and let it sit for a few minutes. You’ll see the crystals slowly melt away, leaving you with that smooth, golden liquid once again.
Gently Liquifying Tip
Ensure the water is warm, not boiling. If the water is too hot (above 40°C), it can destroy the delicate natural enzymes and unique flavour of your raw honey.
Why are honeys different in taste and colour?
It’s all down to the flowers! Bees travel up to three miles to find the best nectar. Depending on whether they’ve been visiting garden lavender, meadow clover, or wild blossoms, the honey will take on a unique golden hue and distinct floral notes. Every jar is a literal snapshot of the landscape at that time.
Over the years we have noticed distinct flavour difference between the crops and very often it is
linked to the weather that particular year!
Barnet Forage
What Our Local Bees Feast On
In the lush gardens and wild edges of Barnet, our bees are spoilt for choice. The unique seasonal tapestry of North London provides a rich diet that defines every jar of Hadley Honey, from the first spring buds to the last autumn blooms.
Horse Chestnut: Provides a rich, creamy texture and deep pollen load.
Oil Seed Rape: Brings the first bright, early sweetness of spring.
Lime Trees: Known for a delicate, slightly minty floral finish.
Ivy: Offers a deep, grounding warmth in late autumn.
Wildflowers: Creates the complex, ever-changing layers of our multifloral honey.
Garden flowers: for example lavender lending a delicate floral lift and a uniquely aromatic profile to our mid-season jars.
The forage source directly influences the colour and flavour profile; our spring set honey is often pale and mild, while our summer batches transition into a richer, golden amber with complex floral undertones.