Questions, answered.

Honey naturally crystallises over time. This is a normal process that depends on the honey's natural sugar composition, temperature and storage conditions. Crystallised honey is not automatically spoiled or poor quality.

To soften it, place the closed jar in warm water and allow the honey to warm gently. Avoid overheating it.

Raw honey generally refers to honey that has not undergone intensive processing. The term is not a guarantee that every producer uses exactly the same methods, so it is worth asking how a particular honey has been handled.

At Brother Bees, we aim to handle our honey carefully and preserve its natural character. Our product descriptions explain the actual processing used for each batch. [processing detail TBC]

Yes. A clean stainless-steel spoon is perfectly suitable for serving honey. The idea that brief contact with a metal spoon makes honey harmful is a myth. Avoid leaving honey in prolonged contact with reactive metals.

Honey has a naturally low water content and can keep for a long time when stored properly. Keep the jar sealed, store it in a cool, dry place and use a clean spoon. If water or other contaminants get into the jar, fermentation or spoilage can occur.

Honey reflects the flowers, weather and conditions experienced by the bees. Colour, aroma, flavour and crystallisation can vary between seasons and batches. These natural differences are part of what makes locally produced honey distinctive.

Buying local honey can help you understand where your food comes from and support nearby producers. However, honey varies with its origin, handling and production methods. We encourage people to ask questions and get to know their producers.

No. Honey must not be given to babies under 12 months because of the risk of infant botulism.

Honey bees collect nectar and transform it into a concentrated food store for their colony. Beekeepers harvest a portion of surplus honey while managing the colony's needs. Responsible management must ensure colonies have adequate food throughout the year.

No. Honey bees live in managed perennial colonies, whereas bumblebees generally form annual colonies and most solitary bees nest independently. They differ in their nesting habits, life cycles and ecological needs.

No. Healthy honey bee colonies are important in their own context, but more managed colonies are not automatically better for biodiversity. In some locations, high colony densities can increase competition for floral resources. Good decisions depend on local conditions, forage and the needs of wild pollinators.

No. Many solitary bee species are very unlikely to sting, and male bees cannot sting. Honey bees and some bumblebees can sting, generally as a defensive response.

Grow a variety of flowering plants that provide pollen and nectar across the seasons, reduce pesticide use, leave suitable nesting habitat, and avoid tidying every corner of your garden. Different species need different resources, so a diverse habitat is more useful than a single flowering patch.

We're developing our knowledge, connections and ambitions around responsible beekeeping and biodiversity. Contact us to discuss what you're interested in. We'll be clear about what we can currently offer and where specialist ecological advice may be needed.