Well, that was a (great!) quick Summer

Say it with me………How did August come and go so quickly?

The evenings that arrive quicker than last month and the leaves already finding their resting place below the trees are a sure reminder that Autumn is around the corner. Soon we will be fishing out our most comfy and softest sweaters and smelling all those amazing fall scents.

And sneezing. Coughing. Scratchy throats. Yucky germs.

Yes, we all know what comes along with the change of seasons. Not only those wonderful fall allergies, but all the icky germs we are all too familiar with that seem to invite themselves into our homes, and bodies.

Besides practicing good hygiene habits, getting plenty of rest, fresh air and exercise, and of course proper nutrition, do you wonder what else you can do? Keeping your immune system supported is an easy task anyone can do. Pickup some local honey, elderberry syrup and propolis products to help ease in the change of seasons. Local honey not only helps with seasonal allergies but relieves that scratchy throat and quiets that tickly cough.

Here is an abstract from Honey and Health: A Review of Recent Clinical Research

Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran

Department of Immunogenetics, BuAli Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

Department of Neurosurgery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

Correspondence: Prof. Saeed Samarghandian, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neyshabur University of Medical of Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran. E-mail: ri.ca.smum@snaidnahgramas

ABSTRACT

“Honey is one of the most appreciated and valued natural products introduced to humankind since ancient times. Honey is used not only as a nutritional product but also in health described in traditional medicine and as an alternative treatment for clinical conditions ranging from wound healing to cancer treatment. The aim of this review is to emphasize the ability of honey and its multitude in medicinal aspects. Traditionally, honey is used in the treatment of eye diseases, bronchial asthma, throat infections, tuberculosis, thirst, hiccups, fatigue, dizziness, hepatitis, constipation, worm infestation, piles, eczema, healing of ulcers, and wounds and used as a nutritious supplement. The ingredients of honey have been reported to exert antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, anticancer, and antimetastatic effects. Many evidences suggest the use of honey in the control and treatment of wounds, diabetes mellitus, cancer, asthma, and also cardiovascular, neurological, and gastrointestinal diseases. Honey has a potential therapeutic role in the treatment of disease by phytochemical, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Flavonoids and polyphenols, which act as antioxidants, are two main bioactive molecules present in honey. According to modern scientific literature, honey may be useful and has protective effects for the treatment of various disease conditions such as diabetes mellitus, respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems, even it is useful in cancer treatment because many types of antioxidant are present in honey. In conclusion, honey could be considered as a natural therapeutic agent for various medicinal purposes. Sufficient evidence exists recommending the use of honey in the management of disease conditions. Based on these facts, the use of honey in clinical wards is highly recommended.

WOW! Go honey!

We also make a delicious syrup in our commercial kitchen that has been used for centuries to boost your immune system. This is especially useful during the cold and flu season of the fall and winter months. With the kiddos heading back to school now is the time to share the great tasting syrup with the family. Enjoy it right off the spoon, in your water bottle, over oatmeal or yogurt and even on ice cream. The elderberry proves to be a functional food and we make a great tasting syrup. I mean, it’s kid approved!

The University of Sydney conducted a study on April, 23, 2019 . The study was conducted by Professor Fariba Deghani, Dr Golnoosh Torabian and Dr Peter Valtchev as part of the ARC Training Centre for the Australian Food Processing Industry that was established in the Faculty of Engineering and IT, the study showed that compounds from elderberries can directly inhibit the virus's entry and replication in human cells, and can help strengthen a person's immune response to the virus.

"What our study has shown is that the common elderberry has a potent direct antiviral effect against the flu virus," said Dr Golnoosh Torabian.

"It inhibits the early stages of an infection by blocking key viral proteins responsible for both the viral attachment and entry into the host cells."

The researchers used commercially farmed elderberries which were turned into a juice serum and were applied to cells before, during and after they had been infected with the influenza virus.

The phytochemicals from the elderberry juice were shown to be effective at stopping the virus infecting the cells, however to the surprise of the researchers they were even more effective at inhibiting viral propagation at later stages of the influenza cycle when the cells had already been infected with the virus.

"This observation was quite surprising and rather significant because blocking the viral cycle at several stages has a higher chance of inhibiting the viral infection," explained Dr Peter Valtchev.

"In addition to that, we identified that the elderberry solution also stimulated the cells to release certain cytokines, which are chemical messengers that the immune system uses for communication between different cell types to coordinate a more efficient response against the invading pathogen," said Centre Director, Professor Fariba Deghani.

The team also found that the elderberry's antiviral activity can be attributed to its anthocyanidin compounds -- phytonutrients responsible for giving the fruit its vivid purple colouring.

Thanks for reading through. Here’s your offer! SAVE 20% on all ONLINE orders only now through Labor day.

Use code BTSFALL20 at checkout. Orders can be placed online at https://www.thenorthbeeshop.com/new-products

You can start your wellness journey today at The North Bee , 27 North Avenue in the village of Webster. Local deliveries and curbside pickup along with standard shipping are options for you.

A former accountant turned Beekeeper

I had the privilege of meeting a talented writer for the local free magazine, 55 Plus, which is distributed in the surrounding Rochester area. The easiest place to find this glossy magazine is at your area Wegmans. This is printed every other month, so the publication is available for 2 month at each location. He wanted to interview me and my “second act”, retired accountant turned beekeeper.

Me? I had never been interviewed before and was a little nervous, to be honest.

He arrived with his wife as they had just come from an important appointment. She browsed the shop as he and I sat in the Beekeeping Sensory Room and chatted about what brought me to here!

This little white house in the Village of Webster that I call The North Bee.

To read all about my second act in his words follow this link to the article by John Addyman. http://www.roc55.com/features/former-accountant-keeps-busy-with-bees/

A special time, amid COVID-19, in the year 2020

Can you believe 2 years ago this month (Small Business Saturday to be exact) I opened my doors at 27 North Avenue, in the village of Webster, for the first time. What an exciting first year I had!

This 2nd one, however, has been challenging to say the least. I was closed to the public for 87 days! It was lonely inside there, but you and I both found ways to get you what you needed, safely.

I want to thank you ALL for your continued and new support. Your business and the way you spread the word has helped me keep the doors open. I thank you for that.

Please read below for new product info, reminder of hours, service updates and COUPONS for you.

Shop early with extended savings.

So many new items:

New Hard Lotion Bar fragrances, new scents for the Suncatchers, my Elderberry Syrup, Holm Made Toffee from Oregon, frog, cow and turtle ornaments, imported German hard candy, beeswax skincare for Mama and Baby, infused honey, whipped honey, hot honey, Bourbon honey, Buddha CBD teas, organic CBD oils from Hemplucid, shrubs and Fire Tonic, more honey spoon flavors, silicone jar openers and Lillie Pads (the anywhere coaster), beeswax crayons, beeswax wrap on a roll, Buckwheat honey, Matcha whipped honey, and so much more. If you have not been in to visit recently, I think you will bee pleasantly surprised.

Update and reminder of ways to shop:

As of October 1st, 2020 I have new and adjusted hours as follows:

Tuesday 4pm-7pm

Wednesday - Thursday 10am-4pm

Friday 10am-2pm

Saturday 10am-3pm

**please note I will EXTEND hours beginning Friday December 4th - Wednesday Dec23rd.

Curbside pickup is ALWAYS available. When placing your order at checkout please choose Customer PICKUP Curbside as the shipping option. There is no charge for this service. Your order can usually be filled within 24-48 hours. I will reply to you with an email for pickup. You can always call for same day needs.

Local Delivery is another option available if you reside in the following towns: Webster, Union Hill, Penfield, Ontario, Ontario Center, Fairport and Macedon. There is a small fee for this service.

Shipping via online ordering: If you are not in the above towns you can have your items shipped to you via USPS or UPS.

Join my mailing list by visiting my website thenorthbeeshop.com for updates and offers.

Here they are!

To celebrate my 2 year anniversary and Small Business Saturday as safely as we can, following the current guidelines, I am offering these savings from NOW through December 5th!

Three full weeks to save and shop vs one weekend!

Please watch your email for TWO money savings coupons you can use IN-STORE!
For those shopping ONLINE please enjoy this money savings offer of 15% off your total using this code: TWOYEAR15

August is here and so are new items!

I hope you are staying well and mentally healthy, the best you can. These times sure are something for the books! Soon the sunny, hot days and nights full of musical sounds will wind down and the season will change, as will our health.

If you aren’t sneezing and rubbing your eyes from allergies you probably know someone that is doing so daily. Next thing we know those sneezes and scratchy throats will be from other fun visitors, not the pollen that is currently floating about, but fun “back to school” and “hello fall” colds and viruses. The regular run of the mill every year stuff!

I am happy to tell you the elderberry syrup will be steadily and readily available to help you and yours during the upcoming cold and flu season. You will be able to find many tonics, syrups, oxymels and even shrubs in the coming weeks. I love experimenting with these tried and true, old fashion, natural health remedies. Made from fruits, vegetables and herbs these alternative infusions make a great health tonic and offer a nutritional boost to your daily diet. Not only by the spoonful or in a beverage but they can be included in your culinary preparations. You can use them in a tea, mix with sparkling water for a natural soda, take by the shot glass, or add to a favorite dish. Drizzle over salad, try on your chicken dish or even in a soup recipe. Try experimenting. Look up recipes. Oxymels, tonics, syrups and shrubs allow many ways to incorporate botanicals, vinegars and herbal infusions into your daily routine and better your health and wellness.

If you haven’t heard I discovered a beekeeping family that infuses their wildflower honey with fruits and vegetables for the most amazing, delicious flavors you could imagine. These have been a hit and flying off the shelves. No worries. I plan to keep them stocked. There are 15 flavors to choose from. Here’s a sampling: apple, caramel, ginger, lemon, razzleberry, smoked and even watermelon. And that’s just a start.

Lastly, I came across another beekeeper (see the theme here) that makes these really delicious and unique beverages sweetened with honey. How about a Honey Sparkling Water or Honey Cream Soda? There even is a Honey Ginger ale.

More and more doctors are telling their patients to find honey for their sore throat, nagging cough and even laryngitis. After all, honey is a natural food with proven health benefits, also known as a functional food.

The North Bee in the village of Webster hopes to help you and your family nourish your mind, body and soul this upcoming season. I look forward to seeing you.

Oh honey, there's going to be a lot of HONEY!

It’s summer and the bees are doing what they do best. Bringing in the nectar!

When they start building and filling comb in between boxes and frames you know it’s time to provide them more room to put away the nectar.

Soon, once again, there will be bottles of freshly pulled honey from the area available in my store located in the village of Webster. The backyard apiary alone is going to provide many beautiful pounds, or bottles, of sweet, local honey. It will be in a nice pour-able consistency - straight from the hive and into the jar!

Well, we do have to remove the honey from the hives and then from each frame. From there we will strain or spin out the honey before it goes into bottles.

Some of you prefer the crystallized honey, or the peanut butter texture as I describe it usually. Honey becomes solid over time due to the type and amount of sugars in the nectar. The sugar breaks down at different rates depending on the type of nectar and this causes the crystallization. I do still have a few jars of solid honey at the store, if that’s your preference. When honey crystallizes this is also a sign of raw honey.

The basswood has been in bloom as of late, and I know our yard has been a blooming field of clover! Don’t forget to throw in some dandelion, sumac and black locust. Please, thank the bees and lick your lips, and sticky fingers, too!

I will be restocking honey this year at Lamora Farm Market Gazebos on rte 350, Ontario Center road in Ontario. Last year I was able to provide some great fall honey. This year I am happy to be able to offer you both summer and fall honey during the market season. Make sure to stop by for some fresh, local fruits and vegetables.

The photo below is a group of bees cleaning up the honey that was exposed when a box was removed during inspection. They love to make wax in the spring and summer. When bees build wax where it doesn’t belong that’s a great sign to add a box and give them room to pack away the nectar!

Elderberry Syrup a trusted, proven source for wellness

Elderberries have been used by humans for thousands of years. There is scientific research and proven results that this stuff really works to boost your immunity and shorten the duration and lessen the symptoms of the flu virus, A & B.

Elderberries are a power packed berry full of antioxidants. However, the berry must be cooked properly before it can be consumed. It can cause stomach distress if not cooked properly. They are high in Vitamin C, they are a great source of dietary fiber, the berries are loaded with phenolic acids (help reduce the damage caused by stress in the body) and flavonols (antioxidants that help ward of toxins).

There is also some evidence elderberries may help with fighting harmful bacteria, it shows some anti-depressant properties and showed cancer inhibiting properties in a test tube! Let’s keep supporting research on this amazing plant.

Remember, plants are medicine!

Elderberry syrup can always be found in stock. Stay tuned for some fun, new elixirs coming your way!

Happy New Year - Blogging is on my new year to do list

New Year.

New products.

New honey varieties.

New announcements and happenings.

Blogging! I am gong to do my best to try and do weekly blogs about something! The store. The bees. The pollinators. The flowers. Something.

Perhaps, I will share with you my excitement over a new shipment of Honey Spoons for your tea or coffee. You can even add one to a cup of hot water. They come in many varieties; tupelo honey, orange blossom and lemon, to name a few of the spoons. I can’t forget to mention the Gourmet Lollipops that accompany the honey spoons. There is bee pollen and honey, raspberry & lime, even coconut ginger. Did you know there are real pieces of ginger, raspberry or bee pollen in those lollipops!? Yum, that’s for sure, and they go quick!

Maybe, I will let you know about the Walnut Honey that is to die for!! Yes, it sold out but I was sure to restock quickly. This California wildflower honey infused with walnuts is absolutely delicious on a piece of sharp cheese or a slice of honey crisp apple. Really though, I want to let you know that I have secured some Lemon Infused Creamed Honey from the same company. For all you lemon lovers, this is for you!

If you have not heard, however, the hard honey candies are in stock. They arrived all the way from Bavaria and I have placed them in some cute tins and jars for your enjoyment. These simple candies made from sugar, glucose syrup and honey are a must for dry mouths and scratchy throats. They are a great honey lozenge. They can even be dropped in your tea for a sweetener. I love the old fashion sanded coating. Keep a tin of these hard candies in your car, purse or at your desk and enjoy this simple, long-lasting hard candy.

Honey Bee Medallions. A hard, honey candy to soothe a scratchy throat and quench a dry mouth.

It's true!!! Real honey has many tastes, textures and aromas, along with proven wellness benefits.

Dinner party plans? Foodie on the gift list? Looking for natural immunity boosting benefits?

Honey. The answer to all of the above and more.

The sweet gold the bees produce is not all the same. Honey has varying degrees of color, aroma, taste and texture.

Real honey, that is.

And this all depends on many factors. The season the nectar was collected for starters. You can see this difference in your local honey. The nectar the bees gather in the spring compared to the nectar gathered in the fall will produce the different colors, tastes, aromas and textures. Of course, this is dependent upon the region of the country the plants are growing from which the bees are foraging.

Which brings us to our next varying factor in honey.

Location.

The varying landscapes and climates provide us different plants from which the bees can forage. Just like grapes and wine, honey will vary from region to region due to the plants. Our own country can provide us Oregon Meadowfoam, Florida Orange Blossom, Georgia Tupelo, New York Basswood, North Carolina Sourwood, California Black Sage and Washington Buckwheat to name a few. All of which can be found on the tasting table at The North Bee. Each time you visit you are able to sample over 28 varieties of honey from across the country and even from the Patagonia Rainforest.

Besides season and location the state of the honey itself will offer up its own mouthwatering experience. Only raw honey crystallizes. The texture of this is comparable to peanut butter with sugar crystals embedded within. Some prefer it this way often seeking out only crystallized honey. Perhaps they know that’s a sure sign it hasn’t been processed or heated in anyway. Some honey will take longer to crystallize than others, while some will crystallize as soon as its bottled. Aster honey is know for this.

Others look at the jar of crystallized honey and wonder…….what is wrong with this stuff? Nothing my friends, nothing. Did you know honey was pulled from ancient Egyptian tombs and found to be edible? Here is a link to that article https://www.nationalgeographic.com.au/history/honey-in-the-pyramids.aspx

Not only is honey a natural sweetener it also has immunity boosting benefits. Have you ever tasted Buckwheat honey? You either like it or you don’t, there is no in-between. I happen to like it. I had a lady message me last week wondering if I carried buckwheat honey. Her doctor had recommended her to take. When she arrived at the store to purchase I knew why her doctor had recommended. She had laryngitis. I take buckwheat honey in the winter whenever I have a cough. Here is a great research paper on honey used for cough relive in children, specifically buckwheat. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4264806/

So aside from a sweeter for our tea, a treat off the spoon or a remedy for what ails us, did you know honey is a great addition to the cheese spread or gift basket for the foodie in your life. Honey is also THE perfect hostess gift.

Your eyes will widen and your mouth water when you see some of the amazing honey available on the tasting table and in the store for purchase. The next dinner party you are hosting or attending be sure to include a delightful honey for all to enjoy.

How about a California Wildflower Walnut infused honey on a slice of honey crisp apple or warm Brie?

Perhaps some local comb honey on a slice of baguette or a morning pancake.

A little Chocolate & Bergamot blended honey on a coconut crisp cookie or gently warmed and spread on fruit.

There is even desert honey that has been creamed and some wonderful ingredients added like, sea salt caramel, or real maple syrup. WOW!

You simply must come in the store yourself located at 27 North Ave in the village of Webster and spend a minute or 2 at the tasting table. And remember, the next time that throat begins to feel raw or that cough won’t quiet, find yourself some good RAW honey.

One year already! Come celebrate with me.

It was just a quick, short year ago that I was sitting in traffic daydreaming about what was always on my mind……having my own place to melt beeswax, share my passion for bees and honey and sell my creations. I happen to look over to my right while waiting for the light to change and there was a FOR RENT sign on this cute little white house in the heart of the Village of Webster.

What? Could it bee?

No more packing and unpacking crates and totes, no more multiple trips up and down the stairs and packing the car the morning of a show, because you can’t leave beeswax or honey in the car - might be to cold for the honey or too warm for the beeswax. No more melted wax in random places of the kitchen, like the counter, floor, or stove top. Yes, my husband could have the kitchen table back, instead of just his spot. Most of all, I could talk about bees, share my passion and relay the importance of bees to adults and kids of all ages. I could even make a room just for the kids to take in all things bee, and let the grownups take in all the Handcrafted Goodness of the Hive.

Yes, it was.

I had found that spot by chance and I have been making it work ever since. Each month has been change and growth. I am happy to have this opportunity to be your stop for local honey and handcrafted beeswax products. Including skincare, pet products, candles, beeswax home decor, honey from across the country, gift giving items, natural wellness and select lines of hemp CBD wellness items.

For all the local folks that would like to celebrate with me stop in the store at 27 North Ave, Webster to enter your name for a chance to WIN my GIVEAWAY basket (worth $165) full of goodies!!! Look through the photos here to see the basket. Next time you are in the store to restock your honey, skincare or CBD products fill out an ENTRY CARD and pop it in the cute mailbox by the door on your way out!

The GIVEAWAY runs through December 4th. Drawing in store on December 5th.

Thank you everyone for helping to make this first year a success.

Local honey for your health and wellness needs

It’s that time of year to be searching out the raw honey. I am happy to be your one stop for not only unique handcrafted gift items, but also raw honey. Local honey and honey from across the country can be found in my store located in the village of Webster in Western NY.

Did you know there are over 300 types of honey produced by the bees here in the US? This is due to the different nectar sources available to the bees for forage. Different areas of the country provide different plants which in turn makes the difference in honey - light, dark, sweet, bold, molasses tasting or perhaps even cotton candy. Have you heard of Star Thistle, Avocado, Buckwheat, Meadowfoam, Tupelo or Ulmo honey? Those are just a few types of what you will find available to taste and purchase. You can always find local honey here.

Summer and Fall local, raw honey is now available in my Webster store.

The honey tasting table always holds over 25 different jars of honey; varietals (single source nectar), infusions, blends, creamed, whipped, liquid, crystallized, comb, sticks and polyflorals from across the country and my own backyard! I even carry honey from the Patagonia Rain forest in Chile, South America. I am certain you will find a favorite honey and even a backup or two.

Honey has been used for thousand of years to treat coughs and sore throats among other ailments. People may also use honey to treat allergies and for that local honey is first choice. You can be sure to find local honey most anytime of the year at the store.

However, for your seasonal sore throat and that cough from the cold you are sharing with the family ANY raw honey is best. Raw is preferred because once honey is processed, meaning heated or filtered, it loses any health benefits and is just a sweetener at that point. When it comes to raw honey I’m sure you will find one that suits your taste buds.

I hope you will keep The North Bee in mind this upcoming season and all year round for all your local honey and health and wellness needs.