FAQs

Raw honey is unheated, unpasteurized, unprocessed honey collected straight from the extractor and cold packed. An alkaline-forming food, raw honey contains ingredients similar to those found in fruits, which become alkaline in the digestive system. It doesn't ferment in the stomach and it can be used to counteract acid indigestion. When honey is heated, its delicate aromas, yeast and enzymes which are responsible for activating vitamins and minerals in the body system are partially destroyed.  The flavor is also altered during pasteurization.

BannerBee products are available throughout Maryland, DC and Virginia in storefronts, grocery stores, markets, gift shops, caterers, restaurants and various farmers' markets in the area. You can check out our stockists  here.

BannerBee offers two types of honey subscriptions:

1.  Honey of the Month Club available in a 3, 6 or 12 month membership. Each month, the recipient will receive a delicious selection of honey from our raw wildflower to our artisan infused to our hand curated single source honeys from around the country.  Further details may be found here.
2. Adopt a Hive subscription available by the season.  Receive an adoption certificate, name your hive, newsletter updates with photos, receive a jar of honey from each of your three harvests during that season and with your last shipment, you will also receive a pair of hand dipped beeswax taper candles.  A portion of our proceeds for this subscription is donated to honeybee research and support programs. More here. 

Honey that has granulated has not gone bad. Honey is a supersaturated solution and has a tendency to turn towards a granulized state. Some honeys crystallize quickly and some crystallize slowly. This is due to the types and amounts of the varied sugars present. To return to a liquid state, loosen lid on jar and simply warm the jar in a pan of hot, but not boiling, water.

BannerBee honey is not pasteurized.

Honey will deteriorate when exposed to heat. The higher the heat, the faster and greater the effect. For example, honey has numerous enzymes. Most of these enzymes remain stable under 100ºF but have decreased activity when exposed to temperatures over 120ºF. For instance, the enzyme diatase, which is common in honey, shows a 50% reduction in activity after 15 days at 122ºF. Most enzymes in honey are almost completely destroyed when exposed to temperatures above 160ºF for even a short period. These enzymes are also destroyed when honey is liquified in a microwave oven. An interesting side note is that most of the enzymes in honey are added by the bees!

No, we use a cheesecloth to strain large debris, but do not filter our honey.

It has been reported that eating raw, local honey helps with allergies.  Raw Honey from within a 50 mile radius is ideal. 

Honey should not be fed to infants under one year of age because they do not have a fully developed digestive and immune systems. Honey is a safe and wholesome food for children and adults.

No two nectar sources have the same chemistry. They have different combinations of sugars, minerals and enzymes. For example, very dark honeys, such as buckwheat or tulip poplar, have a high mineral content. This gives them their color and is also considered desirable by health food experts. Light honey, which is lower in minerals, is usually milder in taste.

No. Honey contains no wheat products and is gluten-free.  

No. Honey does not contain fat or cholesterol.  Honey is primarily composed of carbohydrates.

Honey may be substituted for granulated sugar in baked goods, cup for cup, with the  following alterations to the recipe: •For each cup of honey used, reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe by 1/4 cup. •Add 1/2 teaspoon baking soda for each cup of honey used. This will neutralize honey's acidity and help the food rise. •If the recipe contains sour cream or buttermilk, however, you can forego adding baking soda. •Reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent over-browning.

We will make every effort to accommodate such a request. However, please note that our hives are placed on private estates and farms and we must first get the ok from the property owner then we can schedule a visit with you.

Once you have placed your order on our website, we will notify you when your order is ready for pick up (generally within 2-3 days.). We will provide our address and our hours for pick up for your convenience. 

Beeswax candles burn longer than other kinds of candles and do not drip or smoke if the candle is kept out of a draft. Beeswax candles emit a bright, healthy light with the same light spectrum as the sun. Beeswax emits negative ions that actually clean the air and invigorate the body. Beeswax candles are naturally scented by nectar of flowers and honey packed into the honeycomb from which they are made. Beeswax is a 100% natural and renewable resource. 

This is your guarantee that you’ve got a pure beeswax candle. As natural sugars  present in beeswax come to the surface, it’s called bloom. Bloom can be removed by wiping the surface with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth. 

Yes. Our handcrafted body care items each include at least two ingredients from the beehives. These ingredients include: Honey, Propolis, Beeswax, Royal Jelly and Pollen. 

Check here for all the information on our shipping and returns. If you have a question not covered here, do not hesitate to give us a call 240.793.0363

BannerBee products are available in many stores and shops throughout the DMV and beyond. If you are interested in carrying our products, our wholesale policies & registration form may be found here.