Frequently Asked Questions
Honey is wonderfully simple, but it naturally raises a few questions. Here you’ll find honest answers about how our honey is produced, why it changes over time, how to care for it and how to choose the variety that suits you.
Every jar begins with bees, blossoms, changing seasons and the careful balance of the natural world. We respect that process by handling our honey gently, describing it honestly and placing the welfare of the bees at the heart of what we do.
About Our Honey
What is raw honey?
At Bee Mercy, raw honey means honey that has been extracted from the comb, gently filtered and never pasteurised. It may be carefully warmed only when necessary to allow it to be poured into jars.
Nothing is added: no flavourings, syrups or other ingredients. Keeping the honey close to its natural state allows each variety to retain its distinctive colour, aroma, texture and flavour.
Raw honey naturally changes over time and may crystallise. This is completely normal and does not mean the honey has spoiled.
Is Bee Mercy honey processed or pasteurised?
Our honey is not pasteurised or ultra-filtered. After harvesting, it is extracted from the comb, gently filtered and carefully jarred.
Some batches may be gently warmed when necessary for pouring, but we avoid the high-temperature processing commonly used to keep honey consistently runny.
Because our honey is handled minimally, you may notice natural differences between batches. We believe these variations are part of the character of genuine raw honey.
Where does Bee Mercy honey come from?
Our current raw honey range is sourced from carefully selected, experienced beekeepers in Spain. Individual varieties come from regions suited to their particular floral or honeydew source.
The country of origin is clearly shown on every jar, while our product pages tell you more about the source, flavour and character of each variety.
Every batch is also laboratory tested for quality and authenticity.
What does single-floral honey mean?
Single-floral, sometimes called mono-floral, honey is produced when bees forage predominantly from one particular flower or plant source during its flowering season.
Bees will naturally visit other plants in the surrounding landscape, so single-floral does not mean that every grain of pollen comes from one species. It means the honey’s main botanical source gives it a recognisable colour, aroma and flavour.
Oak and Forest honey are a little different because much of their distinctive character comes from honeydew collected by bees from trees rather than flower nectar.
How is honey produced?
Honeybees collect nectar from flowers or honeydew from plants and trees. Back inside the hive, the bees add enzymes and gradually reduce its moisture content before storing the honey in wax cells and sealing them with wax.
Our honey is sourced from experienced beekeepers who harvest selected frames containing surplus honey when conditions allow, while ensuring that each colony retains the stores it needs.
The honey is then extracted from the comb, gently filtered and prepared for jarring.
How is bee pollen collected?
As bees visit flowers, pollen gathers on the fine hairs covering their bodies. They brush this pollen into small baskets on their back legs and carry it back to the hive as food for the colony.
Specially designed pollen traps gently collect a portion as the bees enter the hive. These are used carefully and selectively so that the colony retains the pollen it needs.
Bee pollen can cause an allergic reaction in some people, particularly those sensitive to pollen or bee products. If you have a known allergy or are unsure whether it is suitable for you, please seek professional medical advice before using it.
What does “free from antibiotics and pesticides” mean?
Every Bee Mercy honey batch is laboratory tested for quality and authenticity.
Where a batch is described as free from antibiotics and pesticides, this means that the substances covered by the relevant laboratory analysis were not detected above the laboratory’s reporting limits.
Please contact us if you would like more information about the testing of a particular product or batch.
Which Bee Mercy honey should I choose?
Every variety has its own character:
Acacia is light, delicate and gently floral.
Citrus Blossom is bright, fragrant and refreshing.
Lavender has a soft floral aroma and rounded sweetness.
Rosemary is aromatic, smooth and pleasantly herbal.
Eucalyptus has a distinctive, full-bodied character.
Thyme is rich, aromatic and more pronounced.
Mountain offers a complex flavour shaped by varied mountain flora.
Chestnut is dark, bold and slightly bittersweet.
Oak is deep, rich and robust.
Forest is dark, complex and full flavoured.
If you are new to raw honey, Acacia is a gentle place to begin. If you prefer darker and more powerful flavours, try Chestnut, Oak or Forest.
Natural Changes and Storage
Why do the colour, flavour and texture vary?
Honey is a completely natural and seasonal product. Its character is influenced by the location, weather, rainfall, temperature and plants available to the bees.
This means that the colour, flavour, aroma and texture may vary slightly from one harvest to another. These natural differences are not faults; they are part of what makes each harvest special.
Why does raw honey crystallise?
Crystallisation is one of honey’s perfectly natural habits. Depending on the variety, your honey may gradually become thicker, grainier or completely set.
The speed of crystallisation depends largely on the natural balance of glucose and fructose in the honey. Some varieties crystallise quickly, while others remain runny for much longer.
Crystallisation does not mean anything is wrong with your honey. Many people prefer its beautifully creamy texture because it is easy to spread and less likely to drip. Read More.
How can I make crystallised honey runny again?
Stand the tightly closed jar in a bowl of warm, not boiling, water. Keep the water below the lid and allow the honey to warm gradually. If necessary, stir it occasionally with a clean, dry spoon.
Replace the water as it cools and repeat until the honey reaches your preferred consistency.
Do not place the jar directly in a saucepan, use boiling water or microwave it. Gentle warming helps protect the honey’s natural flavour and character.
Does honey expire?
Honey has a naturally long shelf life when stored correctly, but we do not describe it as lasting forever.
Every jar carries a best-before date showing the period during which the honey is expected to remain at its best quality. Crystallisation, thickening or a gradual change in colour does not necessarily mean the honey has spoiled.
Always keep the lid secure and avoid introducing water or food crumbs into the jar. Do not consume the honey if the jar is damaged or the product shows unusual signs of contamination or fermentation.
How should I store my honey?
Store your honey at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and strong heat. Keep the lid tightly closed and always use a clean, dry spoon.
There is no need to refrigerate honey. Refrigeration will normally make it thicken and crystallise more quickly.
Why is there foam or a pale layer on top of my honey?
A small amount of foam, tiny air bubbles or fine natural particles can sometimes appear in minimally filtered honey. This is normally harmless and does not mean the honey has spoiled.
However, if you notice an unusual smell, signs of fermentation, leaking or damage to the jar, please contact us before consuming it.
Can I add raw honey to hot drinks?
Yes. You can stir Bee Mercy honey into tea, coffee or other drinks.
If you would like to preserve more of its distinctive flavour and aroma, allow a boiling-hot drink to cool slightly before adding the honey.
Safety and Dietary Questions
Can babies eat raw honey?
Honey should not be given to babies under 12 months old. This applies to all honey, including raw, pasteurised and cooked honey, as well as foods and drinks containing honey.
Children aged 12 months and over can normally enjoy honey as part of a balanced diet.
Does raw honey contain sugar?
Yes. Honey naturally contains sugars, mainly fructose and glucose, and should be enjoyed in moderation.
Anyone who needs to monitor their sugar or carbohydrate intake should follow the individual advice given by their healthcare professional and refer to the nutritional information on the jar.
Is raw honey the same as Manuka honey?
No. Manuka is a particular type of honey produced mainly in New Zealand from nectar associated with the manuka plant. Genuine Manuka honey may be laboratory tested and graded using systems such as MGO or UMF.
Bee Mercy offers a broad range of single-floral and honeydew honeys, each with its own botanical source, flavour, colour and aroma. We do not claim that our varieties are Manuka honey or medically equivalent to it.
Choosing honey should be about finding the flavour and character you enjoy rather than believing that one variety is universally better than another.
Is honey suitable for vegans?
Honey is produced by bees, so it is generally not considered vegan. It is usually suitable for vegetarians, although this depends on each person’s individual dietary choices.
Orders and Shopping
Are your jars made from glass?
Yes, our honey is supplied in glass jars. Please handle them carefully and recycle or reuse the jar once it is empty.
What sizes are available?
Most Bee Mercy honey varieties are available in 500g and 1kg jars. Available sizes may vary according to the product and current stock, so please check the individual product page before ordering.
What should I do if my order arrives damaged or leaking?
We take great care when packing your order, but occasionally a jar can be damaged or loosen during delivery.
Please take photographs of the jar, the packaging and the shipping label, then contact us as soon as possible with your order number. We will review the problem and arrange an appropriate solution.
Do you supply honey wholesale?
Yes. We supply selected retailers and other businesses interested in offering a distinctive range of high-quality raw honey.
Please visit our wholesale page or contact us with details of your business, the products you are interested in and the approximate quantity required. We’ll be happy to discuss the available options.
Still have a question?
Honey is wonderfully varied, and we know that every jar, and every customer, is different. If there is anything else you would like to know about our honey, its origins or choosing the right variety, please get in touch. We’ll always do our best to offer a friendly, honest answer and help you find a honey you’ll truly enjoy.
