Honey Questions
Whether you've just purchased your first jar or have enjoyed raw honey for years, here are answers to some of the questions we're asked most often.
About Our Honey
Honey, Storage & Crystallization
Why does my honey crystallize?
Raw honey naturally crystallizes over time. Crystallization is a sign that your honey is raw and minimally processed—it does not mean the honey has gone bad.
If you'd like to return it to a liquid state, place the jar in warm, not boiling, water and allow it to slowly liquefy. Avoid using a microwave, as excessive heat can reduce some of honey's natural qualities.
Is your honey raw?
Yes. White Rocks Apiary honey is harvested raw and unfiltered to preserve its natural flavor and character. We do not pasteurize our honey.
Is your honey filtered?
Our honey is lightly strained to remove larger pieces of wax and debris while preserving much of what makes raw honey unique.
Why does the color and flavor of your honey change?
Honey reflects the flowers that were in bloom when it was produced. Because nectar sources change throughout the season, each harvest may vary in color, flavor, and aroma. That's one of the things we love most about raw honey—every season is a little different.
How should I store honey?
Honey is best stored at room temperature with the lid tightly sealed. There is no need to refrigerate it. In fact, refrigeration can cause honey to crystallize more quickly.
How long does honey last?
Honey has an incredibly long shelf life when stored properly. While it may crystallize over time, it remains safe to enjoy for many years.
About Our Bees
The Bees & Their Forage
Where do your bees forage?
Our bees forage throughout the forests, mountainsides, wetlands, and wildflowers of Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest and the surrounding landscape.
The variety of nectar sources changes throughout the season, giving each harvest its own unique flavor, aroma, and color.
Do bees make honey all year?
No. In Vermont, honey bees produce and store honey from spring through early fall, when flowers provide nectar for them to forage.
During the winter, bees remain inside the hive, living on the honey they stored during the warmer months to survive until spring.
Purchasing Honey
Availability & Orders
Do you sell comb honey?
Yes—when available. Comb honey is produced in limited quantities and isn't always available. Please contact us to ask about current availability.
Do you sell larger jars?
Yes. In addition to the ½ lb and 1 lb jars available at our farm stand, we also offer 2 lb jars by request.
Where can I buy your honey?
White Rocks Apiary honey is available at our self-serve farm stand, Seward Farmstand, and The Barn Restaurant & Tavern. Visit our Find Our Honey page for locations and details.
Can I place a custom order?
Absolutely. Whether you're looking for larger quantities, wedding favors, gifts, or another special request, we'd be happy to help whenever possible.
Please feel free to contact us to discuss what you're looking for.