Frequently Asked Questions:
« Is Freedom™ Honey organic? »
• Our honey is
100% All Natural or Raw, which means we don't add anything to the honey or process it at high temperatures. It's harvested
straight from the hive, extracted with a centrifuge, triple strained by gravity, and bottled.
« Is
raw honey better for you? »
• High temperatures and processing can destroy certain good things
naturally found in some foods. Honey contains a variety of flavonoids and phenolic acids which act as antioxidants by
scavenging and eliminating free radicals. Studies suggest that eating more antioxidant-rich foods may help protect against
cellular damage and possibly prevent the development of chronic diseases.
« Why do you call it
Freedom™ Honey? »
• Pure honey is one of nature's perfect foods. Unlike many of today's
packaged foods, it is naturally free from additives, preservatives, artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, and anything
else that can be added to processed foods to make them 'better' or cheaper. Our pure natural honey provides freedom
from that norm, so the name seemed very appropriate.
« Do you truck your bees south during the
winter? »
• We follow strict non-migratory beekeeping practices and manage only a small number
of hives. All of our bees are wintered here in Minnesota.
« Have your bees been affected
by Colony Collapse Disorder? »
• So far our honeybees have not been affected by this disorder,
but we remain extremely vigilant.
« What causes Colony Collapse Disorder? »
•
The exact cause has not yet been identified, but many theories are being investigated.
« Why
is CCD such a big deal? »
• A 1999 Cornell University study concluded that the direct value of
honeybee pollination annually to U.S. agriculture is $14.6 Billion. The USDA estimates that 80 percent of insect crop
pollination is accomplished by honeybees, directly impacting over one-fourth the total human diet. If honeybees disappeared,
the results would be devastating.
« Do you use antibiotics on your bees? »
•
We follow the prudent management practice that antibiotics are only to be applied when extreme conditions warrant, and natural
remedies are used whenever possible. Medications are never used immediately prior to or during the honey flow.
« Can you feed honey to infants? »
• Consult with your physician for infant
dietary advice. In general, raw agricultural products - especially honey - should never be fed to infants less than
one year of age.
« Is
Freedom™ Honey a 'single source' honey? »
• Our honey is a multi-source honey, reflecting
a natural diversity of nectar. Our apiary is located near a variety of flora which we believe adds a unique flavor and
complexity to our honey. The closest and most prevalent nectar sources are clover, alfalfa, apple, and wildflower.
« How come some of your bottled honey isn't all the same color? »
•
We don't blend our honey to achieve a standardized color. We take what the honeybees give us, and not all hives contain
honey from exactly the same nectar sources so color variation is common and natural.
« When you
harvest honey, are you 'stealing' it from the bees? »
• We only harvest the surplus honey.
Since we winter our honeybees in Minnesota, we make sure that each colony has at least 80 - 100 lbs. of remaining honey and
ample pollen reserves to make it through the winter.
« How long will honey last? »
• Indefinitely. Honey doesn't spoil.
« Will Freedom™ Honey crystallize?
»
• All honey, especially raw honey, will crystallize over time. This doesn't mean that
the honey has gone bad. It's simply a natural process in which the liquid in honey transforms to a solid. To re-liquify,
simply place the open container in hot water and stir, or place in microwave-safe container and microwave at 20 second intervals
until liquid. The best solution is to use it before it has a chance to crystallize.
« Should
I store my honey in the refrigerator? »
• Honey should only be stored at room temperature.
Refrigeration will accelerate crystallization.
« Do you ever get stung? »
•
Yes, but it's worth it.
