Artisanal, Terroir Defined Honey
The Sweetness of Nature - Pure Honey Straight From Our Beehives.
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Welcome to Woodland Bees, where the essence of nature is captured in each jar of our locally produced, unprocessed, raw honey. Nestled in the heart of the Credit Woodlands in Mississauga and Mono meadows and forests, our bees thrive on the diverse array of local plants, imparting a distinct and flavorful character to every batch.
At Woodland Bees, we take pride in our small batch artisanal approach to honey production. Each jar is a testament to the meticulous care and attention we give to our bees, ensuring their well-being and health are prioritized. We are always guided by natural beekeeping principles - such as allowing the bees to overwinter with their collected honey which provides them a chance to be nourished with the most natural food they deserve.
Our honey is a sensory journey through the seasons, as the bees visit different flowers throughout the year. It captures the essence of the blooming flora, offering a taste that evolves with nature's rhythm. From the delicate blossoms of spring to the robust flowers of summer, Woodland Bees honey mirrors the changing landscape, providing a connection to the diverse plants that flourish at each moment in time.
Experience the difference that our small batch artisanal honey brings to your palate. Join us in savoring the genuine flavors of the season, as we invite you to appreciate the unparalleled taste that emerges from the harmonious partnership between our bees and the local flora. Woodland Bees – where nature's bounty meets the artistry of beekeeping. Taste the pure, unfiltered essence of our woodlands in every jar.
What is raw honey?
When we refer to “raw honey,” we are talking about honey that has not undergone the filtration process. This type of honey is extracted directly from the hive, and then passed through a strainer to remove any honeycomb, beeswax or natural debris that may be present. Raw honey may sometimes appear cloudy, but this is not an indication of spoilage – rather, it is a natural process of crystallization.
On the other hand, filtered honey has been subjected to a process of filtering, heating and rapid cooling that prevents crystallization. However, this process also has the unfortunate effect of killing off most of the beneficial enzymes, vitamins, minerals and amino acids, while also removing a significant portion of the pollen. Therefore, when it comes to the health benefits of honey, raw honey is the better choice.
Why does honey crystallize?
Although honey has an indefinite shelf life, it is susceptible to a natural process known as crystallization that alters its physical state.
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Honey, a super-saturated solution primarily made up of glucose and fructose, is prone to crystallization due to the natural process of certain sugars coming out of solution. The presence of pollen in raw honey provides a favorable surface for crystallization to occur, while the low water content helps to prevent fermentation but also makes crystallization easier. The glucose-to-fructose ratio in the nectar of different flowers can also influence the rate of crystallization. When honey crystallizes, it thickens and becomes cloudy with varying textures, ranging from coarse and sugary to creamy. While crystallization cannot be prevented, it can be delayed by storing honey in a warm location near the stove rather than a cold cupboard against an outside wall.
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However, it's important to remember that crystalized honey is actually the way nature intended it to be. In fact, it's often a sign that the honey is truly raw and unprocessed, containing all the healthy benefits that can be lost during processing to maintain a liquid consistency. So don't be afraid to enjoy the goodness of crystalized honey!
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What to look for in our honey collection?
Our honey is harvested in small batches, taking into account the location of our bee yards and the time of year to ensure that each season's raw honey offers a distinct flavor profile based on the flowers the bees have visited in various areas. Our aim is to provide customers with the opportunity to taste the unique qualities of each season's honey.
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Seasonality
Savor the Seasons - Experience the unique flavors of honey that vary with the changing seasons, from delicate spring blooms to rich fall harvests.
Terroir Driven Taste Profile
Taste the Terroir - Discover how honey takes on distinctive tastes from the local flora of each of our bee yard locations, giving you a truly one-of-a-kind experience with every spoonful.
Honey Textures
Experience the True Taste - Embark on a journey to discover the unique flavors of raw, natural honey in its various states. From liquid to crystalized, our quality honey is unaltered and will give you an authentic experience unlike any processed honey.
Aroma Profiles
The aroma of honey is a delicate and enticing blend of floral notes, with hints of the specific flowers visited by the bees during pollination. Its sweet and soothing fragrance carries a warm and comforting essence that evokes nature's bounty.
Explore Our Honey
Acacia & Linden (Basswood)
Available starting August
Our most popular honey - Linden (Basswood) and Acacia. It boasts a pleasant aroma, unique taste, and light yellow to amber color.
This honey comes from the location adjacent to the Erindale Park in Mississauga. This mature neighborhood features a canopy of Acacia (Black Locust) and Linden trees lining residential streets with large back yard gardens that gently spill into nearby Riverwood Concervancy - an oasis of woodlands, meadows, ravines, and exquisite flower gardens. This unique location offers our bees a short window of time from the beginning of June to the first week of July to gather a special treat - sweet nectar from the magnificent flowering Acacia and Linden trees.
Our Acacia and Linden honey is the creme de la creme blend of two highly prized honeys, combining the most fragrant aromas and delicate tastes that exhibit floral and citrus notes. This unique honey complements many different foods, including ricotta and yogurt. It works wonderfully as a sweetener for beverages or as a delicious drizzle over desserts. Additionally, it adds a delightful touch when used as a topping for pancakes or waffles. Furthermore, it can be incorporated into various recipes and serves as a flavorful ingredient in salad dressings or marinades.
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Linden honey is highly valued for its nutrient-rich composition and well-known medicinal properties. Notably, it exhibits antibacterial, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and gently laxative effects. It has been frequently used to address sore throats, colds, flu, laryngitis, bronchitis, and asthma, as well as inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and kidney and gallbladder diseases.
Acacia honey is light in color and clear in appearance and has a delightful mild floral taste that pairs well with a variety of dishes.
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The blend of these two prized honeys is a combination that you won't want to miss.
*This honey also resists crystallization due to the high fructose content.
Wildflower, Spring, Summer
Available starting July
From the rolling fields, meadows and woodlands of Mono, Ontario we present you with our Summer Wildflower honey.
This honey comes from the location adjacent to the Mono Cliffs Provincial Park in Mono, Ontario which is part of the Niagara Escarpment Parks System, and the escarpment Biosphere Reserve. well known for it's natural beauty and rich eco systems.
Our exquisite wildflower honey features a subtle yet distinct taste derived from the nectar of indigenous plants like clover, milkweed, and sumac found native to this locale. Enjoyably simple, delectable, and nourishing, our honey is perfect for consumption or as an ingredient in a wide array of recipes.