FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is raw honey?

Raw honey is honey harvested from the hive and bottled with minimal processing, gently handled to retain its natural character. Some commercial honey is heated and heavily filtered during processing. While this can make honey easier to bottle and keep it clear for longer, it may also reduce some of the naturally occurring enzymes and pollen found in honey. You may notice variations in colour, flavour, texture, and even crystallisation over time with raw honey. At The Bee's Knees Honey, we hand-pack all our raw honey in small batches.

What is crystallisation, and why does honey crystallise?

Crystallisation is a natural process in which liquid honey gradually thickens, becomes grainier, or eventually solidifies. It is a sign that the honey is raw and minimally processed, and it does not mean it has spoiled. Raw honey often crystallises faster because it contains natural sugars, and over time, the glucose separates from the water, forming tiny crystals. Cool temperatures around 10-15 degrees encourage crystallisation. Crystallised honey is perfectly safe to eat and can be enjoyed as is. However, if you prefer runny honey, place the jar in warm water and stir occasionally until the crystals dissolve. Do not use boiling water or a microwave, as excessive heat can affect the honey's natural qualities.

Does honey expire?

Honey is one of nature's remarkable foods and remains edible indefinitely when stored properly. To maintain the best quality, store your honey at room temperature, in a dry place with the lid tightly sealed. However, once a jar is unsealed, moisture can enter, leading to fermentation.

What is honey fermentation?

Honey fermentation occurs when the natural yeasts present in honey begin converting sugars into alcohol, which is then converted into acids. This usually occurs when the honey's moisture content is too high. Fermentation can happen when the jar is left open and absorbs moisture from the air, or water is accidentally introduced to the honey. But there is good news! Fermentation brings us to another use of honey: wine!

What do single-origin, multifloral and polyfloral honey mean?

Honey takes on its unique flavour, colour and aroma from the flowers visited by the bees. Single-origin honey is harvested from a specific location and is predominantly from a particular floral source. For example, our Leatherwood Harvest and Yapunyah are single-origin honeys. Multifloral honey is produced when bees collect nectar from a variety of flowering plants. The honey is balanced with layers of flavour that reflect the diversity of the surrounding environment. For example, our Wildflower is a multifloral honey. Polyfloral is similar to multifloral honey, with bees gathering nectar from many different flower species. The honey can vary from season, making the harvest unique and a true reflection of nature's changing conditions. For example, our Blossom is a polyforal honey.

What makes Australian honey special?

Australia is home to some of the world's most unique native flora, giving our honey distinctive flavours, aromas, and colours found nowhere else on Earth. From eucalyptus forests and coastal world heritage rainforests to wildflower-filled countryside, every jar reflects the landscape, the season, and the hardworking bees that created it. Australian honey is renowned for its purity and quality, offering a true taste of nature.

Is any of your honey organic?

While we are not certified organic, our Leatherwood Harvest honey is sourced from the remote wilderness of Tasmania, where Leatherwood trees grow naturally in protected and rainforest areas far from intensive agriculture. These pristine environments are largely untouched, producing a pure, premium honey renowned for its rich flavour and exceptional quality.

What is bee pollen?

Bee pollen is made when bees collect pollen from flowers and mix it with a small amount of nectar. The pollen forms tiny golden granules that are nutrient-rich, containing proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Pollen is slightly sweet with a floral taste and can be sprinkled on yoghurt, smoothies, or fruit.

What is propolis?

Propolis is a resinous substance bees collect from tree buds and plant sap. Propolis is often called bee glue because of its sticky texture. The bees use propolis as a natural sealant to fill gaps in the hive and strengthen the hive structure. It has a strong, earthy aroma.

What if I'm allergic to pollen or bee products? Can I still eat honey, honeycomb or propolis?

Honey naturally contains small amounts of pollen and other bee-related substances. While many people with pollen allergies enjoy honey without issues, reactions can occur in sensitive individuals. 

If you have a known allergy to pollen, bee stings, or other bee products, we recommend exercising caution and avoiding honeycomb, propolis, and bee pollen. We advise seeking your healthcare professional's advice before consuming.

If you experience any adverse reaction after consuming honey, honeycomb, propolis, bee pollen, or any other bee products, discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention.

Are all your products Australian-made?

We are passionate about supporting Australian businesses wherever possible. Our honey is proudly 100% Australian, and we carefully select products that reflect our values of quality, authenticity, and sustainability.

Looking for Australian-made products? 

Simply click Shop Australian and explore our collection.

If you are an Australian producer, artisan, or small business that shares our values, we would love to hear from you. Please get in touch: info@thebeeskneeshoney.com.au

We are always excited to discover and support Australian businesses.