Frequently Asked Questions 

We know you have some burning questions about honey, where our honey comes from and who we are! Check out some of our frequently asked questions below and if we didn't answer it below feel free to contact us with your questions. 

Are you local? Where is your Shop?

We are proud to be based in Jacksonville, Florida! Our retail shop is located in Murry Hill near US17 and S. Edgewood Ave. Click here for directions.

If I live near you can I come pick up my order?

Yes! We offer free local pick-up. When you check out simply select the "Local Pick-up" option and we will send you a notification when it is ready! 

Can I come visit the bees? Do you do tours?

We would love to have folks out to see our bees. We host a Beekeeping Experience during the spring and fall months. Click here for more info.

How long will it take to ship my items?

Great question! We try to ship same or next day. We do not ship or process orders on Saturday and Sunday. We ask that you try to give us two week turnaround for Adopt-A-Hives as they take a little longer! 

How are you able to produce so many different kinds of honey?

We are migratory beekeepers which means we move our bees depending on what plants are in season. Our bees are always traveling around Florida, picking out the best blooms for you! We bottle everything from our hyper-local Jacksonville Wildflower, Black Mangrove, Tupelo from White Tupelo trees, Saw Palmetto and Orange Blossom!

How many hives do you have?

Our goal is to manage about 600 healthy colonies of bees during the peak season! Our Head Beekeeper, Michael Leach is working hard to achieve these numbers!

What is the best honey for allergies?

The best honey for allergies is always local honey from your neighborhood beekeeper. For us, here in Jacksonville, Florida, that is our “hyper-local” Wildflower honey. It is perfect for allergy season in Jacksonville because it comes from wildflower nectar farmed within the 295 beltway. If you ask, "Why is raw honey so good for allergies?" we answer that here!

Why can't children under 1 have honey?

Infants under one year old have yet to build up their immune and digestive systems and are at risk of infant botulism if they consume raw honey. The potential levels of botulism found in raw honey is harmless to adults. There is no evidence to show that honey has ever made an adult sick, unless they are allergic to honey. 

Is it safe for pregnant women to eat honey?

Yes! Because the honey is directly being processed by the mother's developed and fully formed GI tract, not the baby's, it is safe to consume. If you do have intestinal issues you may choose to take extra precautions. 

How can I use honey?

Great question! Check out our recipe section for help in this area. When talking about savory or sweet cooking you can always substitute honey for sugar in your recipes - you can even try a little less than the amount called for. Honey is a little sweeter than processed sugar! For some simple recipes to whip up at home try Bee Friends Farm honey in a salad dressing, marinades, cocktails and more! Add it to coffee or tea for breakfast or use as an afternoon pick-me-up!  

How do you know it’s Orange Blossom Honey or Black Mangrove Honey, etc...?

Each of the honey varietals are named after the plant the nectar comes from. Each honey has a very specific flavor profile because it comes from one specific plant. For example, for our Orange Blossom, we place our bees in an Orange Grove. Bees only fly about 3 miles to forage, which ensures that honey will be predominantly from those plants. In other words, the more concentrated the plants are, the more we be can be sure that the honey produced will be of a specific varietal. We also do pollen testing on our honey to determine it's veracity. Of course, our beekeeper is highly experienced so he can always tell by the taste. Each honey has a specific taste profile, almost like a fingerprint. Check out our "Raw Honey Varietals" honey store for all of our amazing Florida varietals!

Where can I buy more honey?

You are in the right place! You can always purchase honey online, right here at BeeFriendsFarm.com, and we are in many retailers in Jacksonville, Florida and the Southeast! Visit our Retailers Map to see if there is a location near you! If there’s a store you’d like to see us in send us an email!

I have questions about your subscription services, how can I found out more?

Join our honey subscriptions for some of your favorite products! Learn more about our subscriptions and get answers to frequently asked questions here. Still have questions? Email us at info@beefriendsfarm.com and we'll get back to you ASAP! 

What is Creamed Honey?

Our creamed honey is a crystallized version of our delicious Jacksonville Wildflower honey! We then add in a flavor infusion like Cinnamon, Lemon, Mexican Vanilla and Chocolate. There is no added sugar or dairy, just pure honey with the addition of organic spices and extracts! It creates a rich, creamy, melt in your mouth texture that is pretty amazing to taste. 

How can I use Creamed Honey?

Use a spoonful of creamed honey just as you would liquid honey! It melts nicely in coffee or tea. It is a good addition to oatmeal, as an icing, smoothies and more!

How long does honey last?

FOREVER! Literally! Honey is one of the only foods that does not spoil. Archaeologists have actually found honey in the pyramids that is still edible. Yes, really!

What do I do if my honey becomes crystallized?

Have no fear, we love to see a little crystallization in our honey. It’s an indication of how pure our honey really is and there’s an easy fix! Our honey comes in a glass jar - which is more eco-friendly. That glass jar makes it easy to warm the honey bottle safely. Simply heat water gently in a small saucepan. Allow the jar of crystallized honey to sit in the water, melting back to its liquid state. Make sure to keep the water at a low temperature to maintain the honey’s raw properties!

What's up with beeswax? 

Pure beeswax is a product of the hive! Beeswax can vary in color and our candles can be a rainbow of pale white, bright yellow to a darker tan! Learn more about beeswax and it's natural color differences.

Are beeswax candles really better than regular candles?

We may be a little biased, but we really do think that beeswax candles are the best kind of candles to burn! Not only do they have a long, lasting flame but they also provide unexpected health benefits. Learn more about beeswax and beeswax candles here.

If we haven't quite answered all your questions, get in touch! Email us at info@beefriendsfarm.com or give us a call at 904-446-5883.