FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HONEY

Why should I choose the local honey man brand for my honey needs?

We offer high-quality, raw honey that is locally sourced and minimally processed. Our honey is rich in antioxidants, antibacterial properties, and anti-inflammatory compounds, making it a great choice for immune system support. Plus, by buying local honey man, you’re supporting your local community and helping to protect the environment. So, choose the local honey man brand for a delicious and nutritious way to support your immune system!

How can I incorporate honey into my daily routine to boost my immune system?

There are many ways to enjoy the health benefits of honey! You can add it to your tea or coffee, drizzle it over yogurt or oatmeal, or use it as a natural sweetener in baking recipes. You can also enjoy a spoonful of honey on its own for a quick energy boost and immune system support.

What types of honey are best for boosting the immune system?

The best types of honey for immune system support are raw, unfiltered honey that has not been processed or heated. Local honey is also a great option because it contains pollen from the local area, which can help your body build up immunity to allergens and bacteria in the environment.

What is raw honey and how is it different from regular honey?

Raw honey is honey that has not been heated or pasteurized, meaning it retains its natural enzymes, antioxidants, and other beneficial properties. Regular honey is usually processed, which can destroy these valuable compounds. Local Honey Man offers high-quality raw honey that is unprocessed and unpasteurized.

What are the health benefits of raw honey?

Raw honey has been shown to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, can help soothe coughs and sore throats, and may even help improve digestion and boost immunity.

How can honey help boost my immune system?

Honey has many health benefits, including its ability to support a stronger immune system. It contains natural antioxidants and antibacterial properties, which can help fight off harmful bacteria and viruses. Honey also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body and promote overall wellness.

Is raw honey safe for infants and young children?

Raw honey should not be given to infants under one year of age, as it can contain spores of bacteria that can cause infant botulism.

What is botulism in honey and is it harmful?

Botulism is a rare but serious type of food poisoning caused by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. In infants under the age of 1, botulism can occur when they ingest the spores of this bacterium, which can be found in honey.

The digestive system of infants under the age of 1 year is not fully developed, which makes them more susceptible to infection by the bacteria. The spores of Clostridium botulinum can grow and produce a toxin in the infant’s intestines, leading to botulism.

Symptoms of infant botulism can include constipation, weakness, poor feeding, a weak cry, and lethargy. In severe cases, it can also cause difficulty breathing and can be life-threatening.

Because of this risk, it is recommended that infants under the age of 1 year should not be given honey or any food that contains honey, including honey-sweetened cereals or baked goods. Instead, infants under 1 year of age should be fed breast milk or formula until they are ready for solid foods.

How can I tell if honey is raw or processed?

Raw honey usually has a cloudy or opaque appearance and may contain bits of pollen or beeswax. Processed honey is usually clear and smooth in texture. Local Honey Man’s raw honey is easy to identify by its distinct, natural appearance and flavor.

What is the best way to enjoy raw honey?

Raw honey can be enjoyed on its own, as a topping for toast or yogurt, or used in a variety of recipes. Local Honey Man offers a range of honey products that are perfect for enjoying raw honey in different ways, including flavored honey and honeycomb.

Can raw honey be used in cooking and baking?

Yes, raw honey can be used in a variety of recipes, including baked goods, dressings, marinades, and more. Local Honey Man offers a range of honey products that are perfect for cooking and baking.

How should raw honey be stored?

Raw honey should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It should also be kept in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing moisture and odors from the surrounding environment.

What is the best way to store raw honey?

Raw honey should be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Local Honey Man’s honey is packaged in high-quality jars that help preserve its freshness and flavor.

How long does raw honey last?

Raw honey has a virtually indefinite shelf life if stored properly. Over time, however, it may crystallize or thicken, which is a natural process and does not affect its quality or safety.

Can raw local honey help with allergies such as hayfever?

Some people believe that consuming raw local honey can help alleviate allergy symptoms, such as hayfever, as it may contain small amounts of pollen that can help build up immunity. Local Honey Man’s raw honey is sourced from local bees, which may contain pollen from plants that are known to cause allergies in the area.

How can I use raw honey for skincare?

Raw honey can be used as a natural moisturizer, facial mask, and even as a treatment for minor skin irritations. Local Honey Man’s honey is free from artificial additives and preservatives, making it a safe and effective option for skincare.

Can raw honey be used as a natural sweetener?

Yes, raw honey can be used as a natural sweetener in place of sugar or other sweeteners. Local Honey Man’s honey is a delicious and healthy alternative to refined sugars.

Is raw honey vegan-friendly?

Raw honey is not considered vegan, as it is a product of bees. However, some vegans choose to consume raw honey as it is considered to be a more ethical and sustainable option than other sweeteners.

How is raw honey harvested?

Raw honey is harvested by beekeepers who carefully extract the honeycomb frames from the beehives and then extract the honey using specialized equipment. Local Honey Man’s honey is sourced from small-scale, ethical beekeepers who prioritize the health and wellbeing of their bees.

Is local honey better than honey from other sources?

Local raw honey is often considered to be superior to honey from other sources, as it is produced by bees that collect nectar from local plants and flowers. This can give the honey a unique flavor profile and provide potential health benefits from consuming local pollen.

What is the best way to support local beekeepers?

One of the best ways to support local beekeepers is to purchase their raw honey products. Local Honey Man works with a network of small-scale beekeepers to provide high-quality, sustainable honey that supports local communities and bee populations.

Can raw honey be used as a natural remedy for coughs and sore throats?

Yes, raw honey has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe coughs and sore throats. Local Honey Man’s raw honey is a natural and effective remedy for these symptoms.

Why buy raw honey?

Pots of honey have been found in the tombs of the great Egyptian pharaohs as an offering to the gods, showing how valued honey was, even in the ancient world. Though the honey had crystallised, it was perfectly edible; it had been there for nearly 3000 years!

Mankind has eaten honey for at least 9000 years and it keeps for an incredibly long time. Whilst our honey isn’t quite this ‘vintage’, its enduring popularity shows that some foods never go out of fashion. Honey remains one of the most sustainable, delicious sweeteners available to us today.

How is supermarket blended honey different to raw honey?

Most honey today that you buy in a supermarket is pasteurised (heat treated to 161 Fahrenheit or higher) – two main reasons for this are to stop fermentation and to be able to strain it: the modern market like their honey completely smooth.  To get honey that is the same as the honey from the hive, you should buy honey that is not heated during extraction.

Most cheap supermarket honey contains a legal percentage of added syrup but can still be classed as honey.

Why has my honey crystallised?

All honey will at some point turn to sugar crystals. Some other terms for it are sugared, granulation, solidifying and crystallising, this is a natural process. The crystals may be large or small, a grainy, sandy type or smooth and creamy type. What makes it crystallize is due to the type of flower the honey bee visited when she gathered the blossom’s nectar.

The floral source determines whether the honey will turn into a solid form more quickly or not. Some honeys while raw will stay in a liquid form for quite a while. Other honeys will turn to a solid form within a few weeks. This is due to how stable the sugar crystal is in the nectar.

This is not honey turned bad, or anything that is affecting the taste or quality of the honey. You may find you like it! It spreads on toast or bread without dripping off. It won’t run off the spoon as you take it from the jar to your hot drink. To turn it back to a liquid gently warm the jar in hot (not boiling) water.

How can I make my honey runny?

If your honey has crystallised it’s a sign that you have 100% pure raw honey.  To get it to liquefy just heat it gently in warm water, but not boiling water.

Why are there bubbles in my honey?

Honey foam is delicious. It is light, flavourful, and packed with air bubbles that have trapped some of the wondrous stuff that is in raw honey: pollen, propolis, wax, and, of course, raw honey.   Honey foam may be one of the most surprising things about the appearance of raw honey.   It is often greeted with the words: “What’s that white stuff on top?” Regardless of the raw honey’s form, runny or crystallised, it may be topped with a thin layer of froth, which will solidify in crystallised honey. If you find this honey foam in your jar, consider yourself lucky.

Why are you lucky if your honey has fermented?

It’s an unusual honey product and, whilst the name may not sound too glamorous, it still retains the sumptuous honey taste we all know and love. The stronger taste can be preferable to non-fermented honey for those with a more adventurous palate too.

Please click here to see our education section on Fermented Honey

What’s the best way to store your delicious honey?

In a cool dark cupboard at room temperature. Honey doesn’t need to be stored in the refrigerator.

Can raw honey be used as a natural energy booster?

Yes, raw honey is a natural source of carbohydrates and can provide a quick boost of energy when needed. Local Honey Man’s honey is a delicious and healthy option for boosting energy levels throughout the day.

How can I be sure that local honey man brand's honey is truly locally sourced?

Here at Local Honey Man, we take great care in sourcing our honey directly from local beekeepers. We work closely with our suppliers to ensure that our honey is minimally processed and truly represents the unique flavors and benefits of the local area. Plus, our transparency and commitment to quality means that you can trust that you’re getting the best local British honey available.

SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE

What is a subscription?

We will deliver our luxurious raw honeys direct to your door on a regular basis.  You choose the package that suits you and how often you would like to receive. With some of our packages there will be some discounts, surprises and free gifts along the way to say thank you for being a regular customer.

Can I make any changes to my subscription package?

You can choose any package you want when you first subscribe.  If you want to change your package after you have made your first payment you will need to telephone us to cancel and then subscribe to a new package.

What are the limited edition honeys?

Limited edition honeys are special as these come from smaller harvests, these are reserved only for subscribers.

What happens if you don’t have my honey in stock?

From time to time nature and the honey bees don’t always produce enough of the exact same honey, so from time to time we reserve the right to substitute one type for another. We can however guarantee that whatever type you receive it will always be direct from the beekeeper and will be 100% pure, raw local honey or one from our infused range.

How will I be billed?

Your billing cycle begins on the day you place your order. For example, if you subscribe on September 10th, you will make your first payment on that date. After that you will be billed each month on the 10th of every month.

If you subscribe to a monthly package on the last day of the month the payment will always be taken on the last day of every month. So if you have subscribed on January 31st the next payment will be taken on 28th February.

If you subscribe near the end of the month but not on the last day of the month the date will move:
For example, if a monthly subscription is purchased on the 29th December, the next 4 payments will be charged on:
• 29th January – not the last day of the month
• 28th February  – note that the date has switched to the last day of the month as there is no 29th day in February when it is not a leap year
• 31st March 2013 (last day of the month)
• 30th April 2013 (last day of the month)

How do I cancel my subscription?

Yes you can cancel at anytime. Please telephone us to cancel.  After cancelling, we will not charge you for any subsequent payments, but you will receive a final package if you have already paid for that month.

If I buy a subscription as a gift, do I pay each month, or all at once?

For a gift, you will be debited from your account on the basis you have chosen, for example if you pay for 2 jars every 3 months you will be charged every 3 months.  Your gift recipient will receive their box of honey for the period you have chosen.

How do I buy a subscription as a gift?

When you place your order fill out the shipping address section of the website with the name and address of the person you would like to give the gift to. We will deliver it to them for you.

Can I put a custom message into my gift?

You can add a custom note on the  checkout page. Just click in the “order notes” link on the checkout page, and input your custom message, we’ll take care of the rest!

Can I request a specific shipping date for my gift?

If you need the box to arrive at a certain time for a wedding or a birthday, please email hello@localhoneyman.co.uk and we will sort you out!

What if I miss my delivery?

Our courier company will attempt to deliver to you three times. We recommend that in the notes section on the checkout page you add any special instructions to help the courier. This can be a safe place to leave your package or a neighbour to leave your parcel with.

How does deliver work?

Delivery normally takes 48 hours. Deliveries are made from Monday to Friday. We can arrange next day and Saturday delivery if required. Please contact us and we will arrange this for you.

I moved, or am planning to move. Can I easily change my shipping address?

Yes. Simply log into your account on the website by clicking on the small circle with the arrow in the top right of the website. Click the first tab “Your Shipping Address,” and make the necessary changes. If you need to change the address on a gift, you’ll need to email us at hello@localhoneyman.co.uk

Can I refund my order?

At this time we do not issue refunds unless your order is damaged, at which point we will issue full replacements at no cost to you. We do ask that you provide a photo of the damaged goods, so that we can relay that back to our couriers. Please email us at hello@localhoneyman.co.uk

BEE SWARMS

What to do if you have a swarm of honeybees?

If you are in the London or Bedfordshire area we can remove the swarm for you. We charge a call out fee of approximately £40 to £60 depending on the distance and circumstances.

Please read the following information carefully. As we are beekeepers we can only remove a swarm if it’s a swarm of honeybees. Not all bees are honeybees and we cannot help with any other flying insects.

swarm

Please follow the steps below:

  1. First identify that it is a swarm of honeybees. Look at the picture above, a bee swarm at rest should look similar to the picture with all the bees together in a large cluster.
  2. Make sure they are honeybees. These are different to bumble bees. Honeybees are small and vary in colour from a golden brown to almost black. Bumble bees are much larger, rounder and furry with coloured stripes. Wasps and hornets can also sometimes be mistaken for honeybees.
  3. Take a photo where the bees are clearly visible. When bees swarm it’s because the hive has become overcrowded and they are looking for a new home. A bee swarm should not be aggressive as they generally only sting to defend their hive and swarming bees don’t have a hive to defend. If you are cautious about approaching the bees try to get a photo of a bee that is away from the main group.
  4. Email us with as much detail as possible regarding the bees and include as many photos as you can

Email your swarm reports to : hello@localhoneyman.co.uk

If you have any questions please call us on 0203 302 5690

Please Note : The email address and phone number above are only staffed during office hours.