« Is Freedom™ Honey organic? »
• Freedom™ Honey is 100% All Natural or Raw, which means we do not add anything to the honey or process it at high temperatures. It is harvested straight from the hive, extracted with a centrifuge, triple strained by gravity, and bottled. We currently have no plans to seek USDA organic certification.
« Is raw honey better for you? »
• Raw honey, by definition, has not been processed or exposed to high temperatures. High temperatures and processing can destroy certain good things naturally found in some foods. Honey contains a variety of flavonoids and phenolic acids which act as antioxidants by scavenging and eliminating free radicals. Studies suggest that eating more antioxidant-rich foods may help protect against cellular damage and possibly prevent the development of chronic diseases.
« Why do you call it Freedom™ Honey? »
• Adding chemicals, preservatives, and artificial flavors to packaged foods in order to cheapen and extend product shelf life is common in the food industry. Freedom™ Honey has one natural ingredient - Honey. It is naturally free from additives, preservatives, artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, and anything else that can be added to other packaged foods to make them 'better' or cheaper. Our pure raw honey provides freedom from the norm, so the name seemed very appropriate.
« Do you truck your bees to southern states during the winter? »
• No. We are non-migratory, non-commercial beekeepers who manage only a small number of hives. All of our bees are wintered here in Minnesota. Many commercial honeybee operations do truck their bees south for the winter where they are paid for pollination services. Some growers offer beekeepers up to $150 per hive to pollinate their crops, which in some cases is worth more than the honey. The extra money would be a plus, but we believe in giving our bees a break during the off-season. They deserve it.
« Why is your honey more expensive than the big brands that I can find in the supermarket? »
• See answer to previous question.
« Have your bees been affected by Colony Collapse Disorder? »
• So far our honeybees have not been affected by this disorder, but we remain extremely vigilant.
« What causes Colony Collapse Disorder? »
• Speculation is running rampant in the news media and with those involved in the beekeeping industry. Everything from genetically modified crops to new viruses or bacteria, and even poor beekeeping practices have been suggested. Some argue that by moving bees all over the country, the prevalence of mono-culture, and with the over-use of preventative antibiotics, we are creating 'welfare bees', or those that no longer have the natural immunities to fight off disease. Currently, scientists are zeroing in on what appears to be an imported virus linked to the disorder.
« Why is CCD such a big deal? »
• A 1999 Cornell University study concluded that the direct value of honeybee pollination annually to U.S. agriculture is $14.6 Billion. The USDA estimates that 80 percent of insect crop pollination is accomplished by honeybees, directly impacting over one-fourth the total human diet. If honeybees disappeared, the results would be devastating.
« Do you use antibiotics on your bees? »
• We follow the prudent management practice that antibiotics are only to be applied when conditions warrant, and natural remedies are to be used whenever possible. Medications are never used immediately prior to or during the honey flow.
« I read something that said not to feed honey to infants less than one year of age. Is your honey safe for infants? »
• No raw agricultural product should be fed to infants less than one year of age, especially honey of any kind, raw or processed.
« Is Freedom™ Honey a 'single source' honey? »
• Freedom™ Honey is a multi-source honey, reflecting a natural diversity of nectar. Our main apiary is located near a variety of flora which we believe adds a unique flavor and complexity to our honey. The closest and most prevalent nectar sources are clover, alfalfa, apple, and wildflower.
« How come some of your bottled honey isn't all the same color? »
• We don't blend our honey to achieve a standardized color. We take what the honeybees give us, and not all hives contain honey from exactly the same nectar sources so color variation is common. It's natural.
« When you harvest honey, are you 'stealing' it from the bees? »
• We only harvest the surplus honey. Since we winter our honeybees in Minnesota, we make sure that each colony has at least 80 - 100 lbs. of remaining honey and ample pollen reserves to make it through the winter.
« How long will honey last? »
• Indefinitely. Honey is one of nature's perfect foods. It doesn't spoil.
« Will Freedom™ Honey crystallize? »
• All honey, especially raw honey, may crystallize over time. This does not mean that the honey has gone bad or spoiled. It is simply a natural process in which the liquid in honey becomes solid. To re-liquify, simply place the open container in hot water (not to exceed 140ºF) for several minutes and stir, or place in microwave-safe container and microwave until liquid. The best solution? Use it before it has a chance to crystallize.
« Should I store my honey in the refrigerator? »
• Honey should be stored at room temperature. Refrigeration will accelerate crystallization.
« Do you ever get stung? »
• Yes. And yes, it hurts.
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