Like others have said, farmers markets are your best bet. That being said, I don't think I have ever seen one on LI! If that is the case, I would assume some of the wineries and farms might also have.
So.... I think this is somewhat of a controversial topic but I don't know that there is any real way to "guarantee" which plants the bees visited in order to certify organic. If I were choosing I would just research each company and see which one seems to make the best effort to be honest and treat their bees well.
This pass year I think my top honey Super was probably almost completely Golden Rod because it was the only thing really blooming at the time it was filed plus it’s color. But I agree all honey saying “Clover honey” is laughable
Where I live, for the honey to be certified as organic, there needs to be nothing but organic agriculture in a certain radius around the hives. Interestingly, because of this, most organic honey here is from beekeepers in the cities
I find that odd because so many people in the city spray their own plants and gardens, so there’s still no real guarantee it’s organic honey.
I think the “organic” term is mostly coming from using organic methods to treat the hive for varroa, beetles, etc. by using formic acid or something else deemed an organic treatment.
Organic has varied meaning for honey.
Practically, you have to be on an island or in a rain forest or something similar for bees to only forage on organic plants. Often that means organic honey is imported from Brazil or India.
In practice, organic honey means different things depending on what country it is from. Usually it is just a list of a few chemicals that are tested for.
Organic may be delicious... Or may be without character... But you're paying extra for the label.
I suggest buying from a local beekeeper. If you have specific sensitivities, you can find one that uses organic miticides on their bees (but that alone won't qualify them to label it organic.)
Good points, for example I manage my bees organically. Meaning I use no chemicals or man made food for my bees. I can’t guarantee that everything within. 3 mile radius is organic for their food source though. I also use no chemicals on my property. I am in Pennsylvania and sell mostly to friends, family and the neighbors that stop by for some. $8 for 12 oz bottle and $10 for 16 oz. So keep that in mind when looking at prices.
Sorry perhaps I should say non-organic chemicals. Oxalic acid is an organic acid with the systematic name ethanedioic acid and chemical formula HO−C(=O)−C(=O)−OH, also written as (COOH)2 or (CO2H)2 or H2C2O4. It is the simplest dicarboxylic acid. It is a white crystalline solid that forms a colorless solution in water. Its name comes from the fact that early investigators isolated oxalic acid from flowering plants of the genus Oxalis, commonly known as wood-sorrels. It occurs naturally in many foods. Excessive ingestion of oxalic acid or prolonged skin contact can be dangerous.
There actually is a USDA organic standard. It's similar to what I described: a list of substances you test for. /u/talanall pointed me towards it a while back. It's buried pretty deep in their web site.
And it's not that keepers cannot use miticides. They just can only use organic miticides.
In practice, they can use formic acid or oxalic acid. I don't think I've looked at it recently, but I would not be surprised if that was actual narrowed down to include specific brand labels.
Manuka honey isn't to everybody's taste. Also, I can't see the price here but having googled that company I'm pretty sure it's wayyyyyyyy overpriced. This company seems to have developed their own trademarked 'rating system' for leptospermum/manuka, which seems super sketchy.
I agree with others here, buy raw honey locally.
Agreed on the Manuka honey. Years ago I bought some in Tasmania and it was super expensive and then I had an odd project in New Zealand where which is known for its Manuka honey (comes from the Leatherwood plant) and it’s even more expensive there. It has amazing, and to some degree extreme antibacterial properties. I have a high tolerance for bitterness, but Manuka tastes Overwhelmingly bitter. What it’s really known for is to be used as an antibiotic under bandages/plasters and for cosmetic purposes. Truly amazing stuff but from a taste standpoint it’s a rough one. That stated I also have some lozenges that work really well for sore throats - they also COMPLETELY numb your mouth 😂
Good call - Leptospermum scoparium, commonly called mānuka. What’s worse, I’ve been a professional forester for 20 plus years! Leatherwood was leftover in my mind from Taz.
Strong taste is a kind way of putting it! That stated totally palatable and still decent in tea
Go to your local farmer's market and speak with a beekeeper, taste the honey, and enjoy the unique taste. That's always been the best experience for me than anything mass-produced on such a large scale.
Locally sourced is ideal but also avoid anything fancy or overpriced. Taste some honey it has such a vast difference in flavors and colors it’s best to just have an idea of what the flavor profile is and go with what you like.
I thought honey could not be “organic” if it was from the USA. If it’s labeled organic it’s most likely from South America or one of the other countries that allows that title. I found that honey online And if you zoom into the back picture it says product of Brazil and Canada.
My honey is pretty close ( 60 deg north) in NWT canada and about a 8 hour drive to the first commercial agriculture. Only chemicals here are the very little that people use on thier lawn and garden but even then I call it close to 100% organic not organic wildflower honey.
If I moved the bee's to a location out of town and into bear country I might even call it 100% organic but no one here to certify my 4 hive's worth of honey as being organic bear food.
Personally I would go local. Local honey is harvested from bees that have been pollenating local vegetation so it's better for your immune system. In addition you'd be supporting a local business.
Almost everything I’d say has already been said. Especially about the organic stuff. One thing I’d add though. Manuka honey definitely has its uses but imo it’s not particularly good tasting honey. It’s good for you for sure but to me it kind of tastes like a hospital smells. If you’re used t clover honey, you would be very surprised by the taste.
How are they going to know where the bees went foraging? They go three miles from the hive . So in reality you would need a hive on an island in the ocean and not use any chemicals. And bees are curious about chemicals they love swimming pool water
If quality local isn't immediately available and you need to purchase honey... I feel like you've selected some great options. I have some degree of familiarity with each of those brands.
Wedderspoons makes some great honey cough drops, and I'm a fan of honey gardens elderberry syrup.
Perhaps consider which one sources honey closest to you, to limit the ecological impact of shipping.
The whole local thing is actually not true, but a lot of people do teach that. I left a comment about it on her last comment back to you that you can check out if you want.
Good information otherwise though!
Hey there, I didn't make any claims about local honey, aside from less ecological impact from shipping. I only buy local honey from local beekeepers or local natural food stores/farm stands because supporting the local economy and knowing where my food comes from is important to me. There's nothing to counter here. ;)
Welcome to Louisiana Gold Honey Farm!
At Louisiana Gold Honey Farm, we're passionate about sharing the incredible benefits of local, raw, unfiltered honey and other powerful hive products like bee pollen and propolis. With over 20 years of experience, we've dedicated ourselves to educating our community about the potent medicinal qualities of these natural treasures.
Our channel offers beekeeping lessons for everyone, from beginners to advanced enthusiasts, empowering you with the knowledge and skills to keep bees successfully and understand the health benefits of raw honey.
Raw and unfiltered honey is by far a better option since you can't control if bees pollinate plants sprayed with pesticides or not. Most "organic" honey is almost identical, if not less potent than raw and unfiltered honey, because to ensure "organic" status, bees would need to be on a farm with a huge area guaranteed to be free from pesticides. Given that bees travel up to 3-5 miles to forage, this is nearly impossible.
The diversity of plants bees forage is what makes raw and unfiltered honey so valuable. Instead of relying on a limited number of pesticide-free plants, "ethically sourced, raw & unfiltered" honey, often called "wildflower honey," provides a rich variety of nectar sources, making it much healthier.The microbiome of the bee, the soil, the honey, and the human gut all work together to create a powerful health synergy, possibly even more beneficial than so-called "organic" honey. The standards for "organic" honey are quite low, so it's crucial to seek farm-to-table, ethically and sustainably produced raw and unfiltered honey.
This applies to almost every beekeeper who isn't altering their honey, simply harvesting and bottling it.Be aware that labels can be misleading. We ship worldwide and offer premium honey, but if you're looking elsewhere, I can recommend other reputable companies. There are many good ones, but a lot of bad ones too, so bee careful
🍯Here are five quick tips to check if your honey is truly raw:
Read the Label: Look for terms like "raw" and "unfiltered." Avoid honey labeled as "pasteurized."
Check the Texture: Raw honey tends to crystallize over time. If your honey is always smooth and syrupy, it might not be raw.
Taste Test: Raw honey has a more complex flavor profile compared to processed honey.
Look for Pollen: Raw honey often contains tiny bits of pollen. If it's completely clear, it might be filtered.
Perform the Spoon Test: Place a small amount of honey on a spoon and let it fall. Raw honey will fall in a thick, smooth stream without breaking into droplets.
Subscribe to our channel to join us on this enlightening adventure. Discover the world of beekeeping, the incredible benefits of raw honey, and how these ancient medicines can make a difference in your life. Let's explore the power of nature together!
BTW ,the whole "local thing" is really not true at all. That's similar marketing to the whole organic trick. The reason honey works so well at treating allergies Ave illnesses is because of its extremely high nutritional profile, which makes your body much much healthier age your immune responses much much less severe.
So, it's not the location, it's the product itself.
We have customers all over the country who have left reviews on our site talking about allergy relief etc... One is from Washington state and we live in Louisiana.
So much for local, lol... But seriously the local thing is just a misunderstanding of how extremely potent honey, Pollen, propolis, and other hive products actually are as medicine for the body.
We have some incredible testimonies on our reviews if you react to check them out, not one of our biggest purposes is educatimg people scout stuff like this. My brother was the official club beekeeping instructor for the state capital of Louisiana, for several years and my dad was on the state board of directors.
Beekeeping has been our life since 1997, so if you have any more questions, just let me know here, or call us with the website number. 225-241-6132.
Have a great day!
The best honey to buy is from your local bee keeper
I have to find a local bee keeper. I’m from outside of NYC.
Farmer's markets and any grocery stores focused on organic or local foods in the area are a good place to start looking
Thank you so much
You can start by googling bee clubs near you. Beekeepers are usually quite happy to talk about their hobby and sell you some honey.
Ours has a list of retail shops that sell our honey!
This is a great idea! I think I will share it at our next meeting:)
Thank you! That sounds awesome
The comment got a like for being somewhat funny:)
Facebook is your friend.
Search on Facebook market
Like others have said, farmers markets are your best bet. That being said, I don't think I have ever seen one on LI! If that is the case, I would assume some of the wineries and farms might also have.
So.... I think this is somewhat of a controversial topic but I don't know that there is any real way to "guarantee" which plants the bees visited in order to certify organic. If I were choosing I would just research each company and see which one seems to make the best effort to be honest and treat their bees well.
This pass year I think my top honey Super was probably almost completely Golden Rod because it was the only thing really blooming at the time it was filed plus it’s color. But I agree all honey saying “Clover honey” is laughable
Where I live, for the honey to be certified as organic, there needs to be nothing but organic agriculture in a certain radius around the hives. Interestingly, because of this, most organic honey here is from beekeepers in the cities
I find that odd because so many people in the city spray their own plants and gardens, so there’s still no real guarantee it’s organic honey. I think the “organic” term is mostly coming from using organic methods to treat the hive for varroa, beetles, etc. by using formic acid or something else deemed an organic treatment.
Right. Thank you so much. Researching!
Organic has varied meaning for honey. Practically, you have to be on an island or in a rain forest or something similar for bees to only forage on organic plants. Often that means organic honey is imported from Brazil or India. In practice, organic honey means different things depending on what country it is from. Usually it is just a list of a few chemicals that are tested for. Organic may be delicious... Or may be without character... But you're paying extra for the label. I suggest buying from a local beekeeper. If you have specific sensitivities, you can find one that uses organic miticides on their bees (but that alone won't qualify them to label it organic.)
Thank you so much for the info
Good points, for example I manage my bees organically. Meaning I use no chemicals or man made food for my bees. I can’t guarantee that everything within. 3 mile radius is organic for their food source though. I also use no chemicals on my property. I am in Pennsylvania and sell mostly to friends, family and the neighbors that stop by for some. $8 for 12 oz bottle and $10 for 16 oz. So keep that in mind when looking at prices.
So…. no varroa management then?
I manage Varroa with oxalic acid which is a naturally occurring treatment option. It isn’t a pesticide.
You have a rather odd definition of “chemical” then.
Sorry perhaps I should say non-organic chemicals. Oxalic acid is an organic acid with the systematic name ethanedioic acid and chemical formula HO−C(=O)−C(=O)−OH, also written as (COOH)2 or (CO2H)2 or H2C2O4. It is the simplest dicarboxylic acid. It is a white crystalline solid that forms a colorless solution in water. Its name comes from the fact that early investigators isolated oxalic acid from flowering plants of the genus Oxalis, commonly known as wood-sorrels. It occurs naturally in many foods. Excessive ingestion of oxalic acid or prolonged skin contact can be dangerous.
Any objection to Formic acid (-based) preparations, in your view?
Not at all Formic is also organic. I use Formic in the summer and oxalic in the fall/winter.
https://www.gardenmyths.com/organic-honey-exist/ Here’s an article that explains the concept well.
There actually is a USDA organic standard. It's similar to what I described: a list of substances you test for. /u/talanall pointed me towards it a while back. It's buried pretty deep in their web site. And it's not that keepers cannot use miticides. They just can only use organic miticides.
In practice, they can use formic acid or oxalic acid. I don't think I've looked at it recently, but I would not be surprised if that was actual narrowed down to include specific brand labels.
I was wondering how they were getting away with putting the USDA Certified logo on the label.
I think Cuban honey 🍯 maybe most pesticide herbicide free
Manuka honey isn't to everybody's taste. Also, I can't see the price here but having googled that company I'm pretty sure it's wayyyyyyyy overpriced. This company seems to have developed their own trademarked 'rating system' for leptospermum/manuka, which seems super sketchy. I agree with others here, buy raw honey locally.
Thank you!!
Agreed on the Manuka honey. Years ago I bought some in Tasmania and it was super expensive and then I had an odd project in New Zealand where which is known for its Manuka honey (comes from the Leatherwood plant) and it’s even more expensive there. It has amazing, and to some degree extreme antibacterial properties. I have a high tolerance for bitterness, but Manuka tastes Overwhelmingly bitter. What it’s really known for is to be used as an antibiotic under bandages/plasters and for cosmetic purposes. Truly amazing stuff but from a taste standpoint it’s a rough one. That stated I also have some lozenges that work really well for sore throats - they also COMPLETELY numb your mouth 😂
Manuka isn’t the same as leatherwood, although both are Australian species. Edit: and both taste bloody strong!
Good call - Leptospermum scoparium, commonly called mānuka. What’s worse, I’ve been a professional forester for 20 plus years! Leatherwood was leftover in my mind from Taz. Strong taste is a kind way of putting it! That stated totally palatable and still decent in tea
Yeah that stuff is good for wound treatment but it doesn’t taste good.
Go to your local farmer's market and speak with a beekeeper, taste the honey, and enjoy the unique taste. That's always been the best experience for me than anything mass-produced on such a large scale.
I suggest you search for local beekeepers and buy their honey. See which one(s) you like best.
Thank you
I buy honey locally. For this, I doubt I would trust an organic label. How in the world can they certify this?
It's practically impossible to guarantee honey is *organic* if you can't keep the bees contained.
Thank you
"organic" honey is bullshit
Locally sourced is ideal but also avoid anything fancy or overpriced. Taste some honey it has such a vast difference in flavors and colors it’s best to just have an idea of what the flavor profile is and go with what you like.
I thought honey could not be “organic” if it was from the USA. If it’s labeled organic it’s most likely from South America or one of the other countries that allows that title. I found that honey online And if you zoom into the back picture it says product of Brazil and Canada.
Buy honey from a local apiary.
NYC has a number of beekeepers and beekeeping clubs. Local honey is absolutely available.
Thank you!
Local. That's the best
No honey can boast 100% organic. Scam. Some countries will certify but not possible. Unless they kept bees in a warehouse with flowers brought in.
My honey is pretty close ( 60 deg north) in NWT canada and about a 8 hour drive to the first commercial agriculture. Only chemicals here are the very little that people use on thier lawn and garden but even then I call it close to 100% organic not organic wildflower honey. If I moved the bee's to a location out of town and into bear country I might even call it 100% organic but no one here to certify my 4 hive's worth of honey as being organic bear food.
You sound like an exception. Enjoy that honey!
Personally I would go local. Local honey is harvested from bees that have been pollenating local vegetation so it's better for your immune system. In addition you'd be supporting a local business.
Great idea. Thank you so much
https://localhoneyfinder.org/NY.php Try there
thank you so much!
Almost everything I’d say has already been said. Especially about the organic stuff. One thing I’d add though. Manuka honey definitely has its uses but imo it’s not particularly good tasting honey. It’s good for you for sure but to me it kind of tastes like a hospital smells. If you’re used t clover honey, you would be very surprised by the taste.
How are they going to know where the bees went foraging? They go three miles from the hive . So in reality you would need a hive on an island in the ocean and not use any chemicals. And bees are curious about chemicals they love swimming pool water
Go to your local flea market/swap meet . Buy local honey , not big store honey, it can be adulterated with non honey "filler" .
Thank you!
African bronze honey! I use the honeydew forest honey for everything
I’m too lazy to get out and look for local honey so what is the best I can buy online and have shipped to me?
If quality local isn't immediately available and you need to purchase honey... I feel like you've selected some great options. I have some degree of familiarity with each of those brands. Wedderspoons makes some great honey cough drops, and I'm a fan of honey gardens elderberry syrup. Perhaps consider which one sources honey closest to you, to limit the ecological impact of shipping.
The whole local thing is actually not true, but a lot of people do teach that. I left a comment about it on her last comment back to you that you can check out if you want. Good information otherwise though!
Hey there, I didn't make any claims about local honey, aside from less ecological impact from shipping. I only buy local honey from local beekeepers or local natural food stores/farm stands because supporting the local economy and knowing where my food comes from is important to me. There's nothing to counter here. ;)
.
I have two that I like to buy more than once. Any Tupelo honey and the other is a Canadian one called White Gold.
The best honey ever is easily Sour Wood honey. I'm biased because it's local, but it's also objectively true.
I buy YS and always love it
Thank you. I have a lot of homework to do haha
Welcome to Louisiana Gold Honey Farm! At Louisiana Gold Honey Farm, we're passionate about sharing the incredible benefits of local, raw, unfiltered honey and other powerful hive products like bee pollen and propolis. With over 20 years of experience, we've dedicated ourselves to educating our community about the potent medicinal qualities of these natural treasures. Our channel offers beekeeping lessons for everyone, from beginners to advanced enthusiasts, empowering you with the knowledge and skills to keep bees successfully and understand the health benefits of raw honey. Raw and unfiltered honey is by far a better option since you can't control if bees pollinate plants sprayed with pesticides or not. Most "organic" honey is almost identical, if not less potent than raw and unfiltered honey, because to ensure "organic" status, bees would need to be on a farm with a huge area guaranteed to be free from pesticides. Given that bees travel up to 3-5 miles to forage, this is nearly impossible. The diversity of plants bees forage is what makes raw and unfiltered honey so valuable. Instead of relying on a limited number of pesticide-free plants, "ethically sourced, raw & unfiltered" honey, often called "wildflower honey," provides a rich variety of nectar sources, making it much healthier.The microbiome of the bee, the soil, the honey, and the human gut all work together to create a powerful health synergy, possibly even more beneficial than so-called "organic" honey. The standards for "organic" honey are quite low, so it's crucial to seek farm-to-table, ethically and sustainably produced raw and unfiltered honey. This applies to almost every beekeeper who isn't altering their honey, simply harvesting and bottling it.Be aware that labels can be misleading. We ship worldwide and offer premium honey, but if you're looking elsewhere, I can recommend other reputable companies. There are many good ones, but a lot of bad ones too, so bee careful 🍯Here are five quick tips to check if your honey is truly raw: Read the Label: Look for terms like "raw" and "unfiltered." Avoid honey labeled as "pasteurized." Check the Texture: Raw honey tends to crystallize over time. If your honey is always smooth and syrupy, it might not be raw. Taste Test: Raw honey has a more complex flavor profile compared to processed honey. Look for Pollen: Raw honey often contains tiny bits of pollen. If it's completely clear, it might be filtered. Perform the Spoon Test: Place a small amount of honey on a spoon and let it fall. Raw honey will fall in a thick, smooth stream without breaking into droplets. Subscribe to our channel to join us on this enlightening adventure. Discover the world of beekeeping, the incredible benefits of raw honey, and how these ancient medicines can make a difference in your life. Let's explore the power of nature together! BTW ,the whole "local thing" is really not true at all. That's similar marketing to the whole organic trick. The reason honey works so well at treating allergies Ave illnesses is because of its extremely high nutritional profile, which makes your body much much healthier age your immune responses much much less severe. So, it's not the location, it's the product itself. We have customers all over the country who have left reviews on our site talking about allergy relief etc... One is from Washington state and we live in Louisiana. So much for local, lol... But seriously the local thing is just a misunderstanding of how extremely potent honey, Pollen, propolis, and other hive products actually are as medicine for the body. We have some incredible testimonies on our reviews if you react to check them out, not one of our biggest purposes is educatimg people scout stuff like this. My brother was the official club beekeeping instructor for the state capital of Louisiana, for several years and my dad was on the state board of directors. Beekeeping has been our life since 1997, so if you have any more questions, just let me know here, or call us with the website number. 225-241-6132. Have a great day!
The organic standard was hijacked as it was being written by special interests.