Shannon Farms

What is raw honey?

Raw honey is honey that has not been heated or pasteurized. This process preserves the natural enzymes, antioxidants, and pollen that are beneficial for health. Processed honey may have some of these properties removed due to heating and filtration.

Raw honey has been associated with various health benefits, including improving digestion, boosting immunity, and providing energy. However, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Can I use honey as a natural sweetener?

Yes, raw honey can be used as a natural sweetener in your tea, coffee, or baked goods. However, it's important to note that honey is sweeter than sugar, so you may need to use less.

However, it is recommended to not give honey to babies less than a year old. Please consult a medical professional if you're unsure of whether your child can consume raw honey.

Does your raw honey expire?

Honey is naturally shelf-stable and does not have a set expiration date. However, it can crystallize over time, which does not affect its quality.

To keep raw honey from crystallizing, store it at room temperature (refrigeration, or temperatures under 50°F (10°C), can accelerate crystallization).

How do you prevent your bees from collecting nectar from harmful plants or chemicals?

We carefully monitor our bees' foraging habits and ensure that they are primarily collecting nectar from the plants and flowers on our farm. We avoid using harmful pesticides or herbicides in our fields.

We also use natural and sustainable methods to protect our bees from diseases and pests. This includes providing them with healthy, clean hives, monitoring their health regularly, and using natural treatments when necessary.

How do I decrystalize my raw honey?

Raw honey naturally crystallizes over time, but the good news is that it can be fixed by warming the honey to melt the crystals gradually.

Avoid microwaving your honey or applying direct heat. Instead:

Slowly warm it up by placing your bottle/jar of honey in a larger bowl filled with warm water. Do not using boiling water.
Remove the honey from the warm water bowl and stir it slowly. If there are still granules, put it back for a few minutes.
Repeat the process until you remove the grainy consistency in your honey. It could take a while to get back to a smooth consistency.
Alternately, benefits of the sunshine state include leaving your raw honey under sunlight to warm naturally and slowly. Place your bottle/jar on the window sill or an area with ample sunlight and check on it periodically.

Is your farm family-owned?

Yes, our beekeeping farm is a local family-owned operation in Fort Myers, Florida.

Paul Shannon is our lead beekeeper with over a decade of experience. Along with his wife & 3 daughters, they manage Shannon Farms and are passionate about ethical beekeeping.

What kind of flowers and plants do your bees pollinate?

Our bees typically pollinate a variety of native plants and flowers that grow on our farm, including Saw Palmetto, Brazilian Pepper, Orange Blossom and native wildflowers.

Are your bees organic? Is raw honey suitable for people with allergies?

While we don't have official organic certification, we strive to maintain natural and sustainable beekeeping practices. We do not use artificial chemicals or treatments that could harm our bees or the environment.

People with pollen allergies may experience a reaction to raw honey. If you have allergies, it's recommended to consult with an allergist before consuming honey.