Bee Love
Hello Honey Fans and Bee Enthusiasts,
Happy Valentine’s Day. If you’re reading this today, I’m guessing you’re not looking for a last-minute gift shipment—you’re here for something better: a little sweetness, a little learning, and a lot of appreciation for the bees.
Honey + love: why honey has always been a Valentine
Honey has been tied to love and celebration for centuries—partly because it’s sweet, sure, but also because it’s rare, seasonal, and made through an incredible collaboration between bees, blooms, and beekeepers.
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How to do a Valentine’s honey tasting at home (educational + fun)
No fancy setup needed—just a few spoons and curiosity.
Step 1: Set the lineup
If you have these on hand, they make a great tasting trio:
Taste of California (honey flight) — a quick tour of regional flavors
Italian Honey Trio — a little dolce vita in a jar
Honey Diamonds — a fun, sweet “palate reset” between tastes
Step 2: Taste like a pro (in 60 seconds)
Look: Is it light, amber, or dark? Clear or cloudy?
Smell: Floral? Fruity? Herbal? Toasty?
Taste: Take a small spoonful and let it melt—don’t rush it.
Finish: Notice what lingers (citrus, caramel, spice, wildflower notes).
Step 3: Pair it
Cheese: brie, goat cheese, or aged cheddar
Fruit: berries, pears, or oranges
Bread: warm toast or a baguette
Tea: add honey once the tea is warm—not boiling
Quick honey science (the real romance)
Why honey tastes different from jar to jar
Honey flavor changes based on:
The flowers bees visited
The region and soil
The season and weather
How the honey is handled (raw/unfiltered vs. heavily processed)
That’s why tasting honey is kind of like tasting wine—every jar has a fingerprint.
Honey Tip
Crystallized honey = still good honey
Crystallization is natural (and common in raw honey). To re-liquefy:
Warm the jar gently in a bowl of warm water
Stir and repeat as needed
Avoid microwaving if you can—gentle heat is best
Apiary Update
Sylvester, Georgia:
Here’s what’s happening in my world of bees right now:
It warmed up this week. Hive inspections have begun.
My Chickasaw Plum tree is blooming. Spring is in the air.
Planning to make first queen grafts this week.
Shopping
If you want to explore more flavors after today’s tasting:
Taste of California: https://worldofhoney.com/products/taste-of-california-honey-flight/
Italian Honey Trio: https://worldofhoney.com/products/italian-honey-trio/
Honey Diamonds: https://worldofhoney.com/products/honey-diamonds-12-count-box/
Reminder: Free shipping on orders over $150.
Thanks for spending a few minutes with me today. Whether you’re sharing honey with someone you love or just enjoying a quiet spoonful for yourself, I hope your Valentine’s Day is sweet in the best way.
Stay sweet,
— Joe Willingham
PS: Reply with what you tasted (or what you want to taste) and I’ll suggest a honey pairing for your next snack board.