/ by Kim Buffington / photography by Chelsea Lane Photography
There’s a reason that honey is a term of endearment – it’s a sweetness that we can’t live without. Its robust flavor profile puts honey at the top of the list of pantry darlings. It’s hard to beat a spoonful here or a drizzle there. But there’s more to know about this satisfying golden liquid and those busy bees that create it.
Honey is a jack-of-all trades in the kitchen arsenal. It’s a quick substitute for sugar in your coffee or trickled over Greek yogurt with granola and fresh fruit. It’s also an unexpected condiment atop fried chicken or fish because its sweetness melds perfectly with savory flavors and crispy textures. For grilling, it works excellently in marinades, helping you to achieve those coveted grill marks without overcooking your food.
Not one to miss the party, honey also makes an appearance at happy hour. Many cocktails, such as the prohibition-era classic Bee’s Knees, call for honey as a main ingredient. It’s also a secret weapon for mixologists because it can often be substituted 1:1 for simple syrup.
When procuring honey, it’s imperative to read the labels and understand the terminology. Good, pure honey is a bit of an investment, as is the case with most top-quality ingredients. Look for the words raw, unfiltered, unheated and unprocessed as they indicate a straight-from-the-comb approach to production. Honey keeps just fine in the pantry indefinitely–it really doesn’t spoil. Crystallization does happen; if you notice any in your jar or bottle, simply put the container in some warm water to liquify the honey.
Buzz-Worthy
Climate change and continued development are putting bee populations at risk. Small changes in your own yard can make a big difference in your local bee populations.
Make your home garden a haven for bees by planting bee-friendly flowers like cosmos and zinnias. Hint: bees like flowers that have open petals that stand upright making the pollen easier to access.
Create a water source for bees – a bird bath or simple bowl or container will do. Remember to change the water daily to avoid attracting mosquitos and flies.
Give them a home! Yes, bees like having a place to stay. Look for bee homes online or at DIY stores. If you’re especially handy, you can make one yourself.
Skip the pesticides in your yard – even organic varieties can be deadly to bees.
Honey-Do List
Do choose local honey. There is a lot of enthusiasm for honey in the Upstate, including these sweet spots.
The Carolina Honey Bee Company – A family-owned and operated independent retail store in downtown Travelers Rest with a solid assortment of quality honey and beekeeping supplies.
Swamp Rabbit Café & Grocery- A popular market on the Swamp Rabbit Trail offering honey from several local purveyors.
Bee Well Honey – Honey farm plus beekeeping supplies and a great place to take classes, in Pickens.
Seasonal farmers markets – There are several in our area. Choose the market closest to you and go straight to the source. Connect with farmers directly and ask them about their bees and harvesting practices.
Honey Varietals
Wildflower: multi-floral local sources. Seasonal. Amber.
Blueberry: grab it if you can find it. Buttery finish.
Sourwood: trees bloom once a year in upper SC/WNC/north GA. Light Amber.
Buckwheat: very strong taste, mineral rich. Dark.
Saw Palmetto: short palms from SC and GA coast. Woody.
