Honey, Honey, Honey

The Art of Honey Production: A Look Inside The Honey House

Nestled in the fertile plains of Souris, Manitoba, lies a haven for bees and honey enthusiasts alike: The Honey House. This family-run operation is a testament to the delicate balance between agriculture and nature, producing some of Canada's finest honey. The Honey House is not just a business; it's a labor of love and a commitment to sustainable practices that ensure the health of their bees and the quality of their honey.

The Souris area, with its rich soil and favorable weather patterns, is an ideal location for honey production. The landscape is dotted with "bee friendly" crops like canola, clover, sunflowers and alfalfa, which provide the perfect foraging grounds for bees. The addition of wild fruit trees and flowers enriches the biodiversity, creating a symphony of flavors that can be tasted in the honey produced.

The Honey House manages approximately 40 individual apiaries, strategically placed to take advantage of the diverse flora. During the summer, it's common to see bees buzzing around local flowerbeds and gardens, a sign of the close proximity of these bee yards to the community.

The harvest process is a blend of tradition and technology. Full supers of honey are carefully removed from the hives and transported to The Honey House for extraction. Some supers are extracted immediately, while others are stored overnight to allow the honey to warm, ensuring a smooth flow during the extraction process.

The uncapper machine is the first stop for the frames, where it skillfully removes the wax cappings placed by the bees. The frames then enter the extractor, which employs centrifugal force to coax the honey from the cells. Following extraction, the honey is pumped through a wax separator, further purifying it before it settles in large tanks.

Given the brief harvest season, from July 15 to September 15, the raw honey is stored in drums or other large containers for later packaging. The Honey House takes pride in their product, packaged under their brand for sale in local stores.

The Honey House's brand of honey is a pure, natural treasure. It's 100% Canadian, unpasteurized, and holds the distinction of being Canada #1 White honey. This designation speaks to the quality and care that goes into every jar, ensuring that consumers are getting a product that is as close to nature as possible.

For those who have had the pleasure of tasting honey from The Honey House, it's an experience that goes beyond the palate. It's a connection to the land, the bees, and the dedicated individuals who make it all possible. The Honey House stands as a shining example of what it means to work harmoniously with nature to produce something truly extraordinary.

The Sweet Versatility of Liquid Honey

 Honey, a natural sweetener with a history as rich as its flavor, has been a staple in human diets for thousands of years. Today, liquid honey continues to be a favorite worldwide, not only for its taste but also for its convenience and versatility.

Non-pasteurized liquid honey is a pure, unprocessed product that retains all the natural enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. The clear PET squeeze bottles with flip-top caps are not just practical; they also ensure that honey is dispensed cleanly and efficiently, making it a perfect companion for a variety of foods.

Whether drizzled over a warm slice of toast, mixed into a soothing cup of tea, or used as a natural sweetener in baking, liquid honey is a delightful addition to many recipes. Its ability to complement both sweet and savory dishes makes it an indispensable ingredient in the kitchen.

Moreover, the health benefits of consuming non-pasteurized honey are numerous, including its antioxidant properties and its role in promoting digestive health. It's a wholesome alternative to processed sugars and artificial sweeteners.

In conclusion, liquid honey in its non-pasteurized form is not just a treat for the palate but also a testament to the simplicity and purity of nature's offerings. Its packaging in user-friendly squeeze bottles further enhances its appeal, making it a must-have in every household. Whether you're a gourmet chef or simply someone who appreciates the finer things in life, liquid honey is a versatile and healthy choice that can elevate any meal.

The Art of Creamed Honey

Creamed honey, also known as whipped honey, is a delightful variation of honey that has been cherished for its spreadable consistency and smooth texture. This form of honey is created by introducing fine crystals to natural honey, which encourages the formation of a rich, creamy consistency. Unlike regular liquid honey, creamed honey does not drip, making it an ideal topping for various foods without the mess.

The process of making creamed honey is an art in itself. It begins with selecting high-quality, non-pasteurized liquid honey. The honey is then carefully mixed with finely granulated honey crystals, which act as a seed to promote even crystallization throughout the mixture. This method ensures that the honey remains spreadable and does not solidify into the hard crystals typically associated with granulation.

Creamed honey's versatility is one of its most appealing attributes. It spreads effortlessly on toast, bagels, and waffles, adding a touch of sweetness to your breakfast or snack. It's also a fantastic addition to hot beverages like tea or coffee, where it dissolves smoothly without clumping.

For those who appreciate the natural qualities of honey, creamed honey is particularly attractive because it is not pasteurized. Pasteurization, which involves heating the honey, can diminish some of the honey's natural enzymes and aromas. By avoiding this process, creamed honey retains more of its natural goodness and flavor profile.

Whether you're a honey aficionado or simply looking for a new way to enjoy this golden treat, creamed honey offers a unique experience. Its smooth, consistent texture and ability to maintain its form at room temperature make it a pantry staple for many. Next time you're looking for a natural sweetener, consider the creamy delight of creamed honey. It might just become your new favorite way to enjoy the sweetness of nature.

Honey's diversity is as remarkable as nature itself, with over 300 unique types available in the United States alone. The nectar source, which varies from the blossoms of different plants, imparts distinct characteristics to each type of honey. Light-colored honeys, like those from clover or alfalfa, tend to be milder in taste, while darker varieties, such as buckwheat honey, are known for their robust flavor and higher antioxidant content. This natural variation ensures that every jar of honey holds a unique essence of the flora it originated from.