All my honey is produced in Essex and surrounding countryside areas in the UK. At Essex-Honey, I carefully manage my own beehives to ensure quality, traceability, and ethical beekeeping practices.
Is your honey raw and unpasteurised ?
Yes. My honey is raw and unpasteurised, meaning it is gently filtered but not heat-treated. This helps preserve its natural enzymes, flavour, and nutrients.
Why has my honey crystallised ?
Crystallisation is completely natural and a sign of pure honey. Simply place the jar in warm (not boiling) water and stir gently until it returns to a runny consistency.
Do you add anything to your honey ?
Absolutely not. My honey is 100% pure, with no added sugar, syrups, preservatives, or flavourings.
What types of honey do you produce ?
I produce seasonal varieties depending on nectar sources available in Essex, including wildflower honey and blossom honey. Flavour and colour may vary naturally throughout the year.
Is local honey good for hay fever ?
Some people believe local honey may help with seasonal allergies, but scientific evidence is limited. While I cannot make medical claims, many customers enjoy using local honey as part of their daily routine.
How should I store honey ?
Store honey at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. There is no need to refrigerate it.
Do you deliver outside Essex ?
Yes, I deliver across the UK.
How long does delivery take ?
Orders are typically dispatched within 1–3 working days. Delivery times vary depending on courier services.
What if my item arrives damaged ?
Please contact me within 48 hours of delivery with photos, and I will resolve the issue promptly..
Can I pick up directly from you ?
You can order and pay online and pick up from me. Please wait for confirmation by text that your order is ready for pick up from box by my front door. You can also contact me to see if I am here before coming to buy direct from me. During the beekeeping season from April to September I am very busy and not always available. So click and collect online orders best.
Are your bees treated ethically ?
Yes. I practise responsible and sustainable beekeeping, ensuring our colonies remain healthy and well-managed throughout the seasons.
Do honey bees hibernate in winter ?
Not exactly—honey bees don’t truly hibernate like some animals do, but they do survive the winter in a special way. Here’s how it works:
1. Cluster Formation: When temperatures drop, honey bees gather together in a tight cluster inside the hive to keep warm. The bees on the outside of the cluster act as insulation, while the bees inside shiver their flight muscles to generate heat. The cluster can keep the temperature inside the hive around 20–30°C (68–86°F) even when it’s freezing outside.
2. Reduced Activity: Bees stop flying much, and they don’t forage. They rely entirely on the honey stores they made during the warmer months for energy.
3. Survival Strategy: The queen usually stays in the center of the cluster, laying very few or no eggs, because brood rearing is energy-intensive and hard to maintain in winter.
4. End of Winter: As temperatures rise in spring, the cluster loosens, and bees start foraging again and the queen resumes egg-laying.
So, rather than hibernating individually, honey bees enter a “winter survival mode” as a colony.
Do you sell bees or offer beekeeping advice ?
I occasionally share beekeeping insights through my website and blog. Keep an eye on updates from Essex-Honey for seasonal information. I do not offer beekeeping experience days or visits to apiaries.
