Mitchem Bee Company FAQ

At Mitchem Bee Company, we believe the more you know about honey, the more you'll appreciate what's in our jars. This page answers the most common questions we hear about our raw, unfiltered, single-origin honey — including what makes each varietal unique, how our cold-infused honeys are made, why we only source 100% USA honey, and how we differ from other honey brands. Plus, why it's the best personal or corporate gift. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a longtime customer, a gift-giver, or a business exploring wholesale and custom orders — you'll find honest answers here from a real Florida family that takes honey seriously. Still have questions? We're always happy to talk.

FAQ

Who We Are

Who is Mitchem Bee Company?

Mitchem Bee Company is the premium, small-batch honey brand rooted in Florida and sourcing from trusted beekeepers across the United States. We specialize in single-origin varietal honeys — each one traceable to a specific region and nectar source — as well as whipped honeys, infused honeys, and curated gift collections. Our mission is simple: bring you the most honest, flavorful, and natural honey possible.

What makes Mitchem Bee Company different from other honey brands?

Many honey brands — including premium, high-end labels sold in specialty stores — blend their honey with cheap imported varieties, heat-process it until it’s no longer truly raw, and rely on sophisticated marketing to obscure what’s actually in the jar. At Mitchem Bee Company, there’s nothing to hide. We offer raw, unfiltered, single-origin varietal honeys sourced from trusted beekeepers across the US. Our honey is never heated above natural hive temperatures, preserving all enzymes, pollen, and antioxidants. Every varietal is traceable to a specific region and nectar source, with no additives of any kind. We treat honey the way wine lovers treat wine — terroir matters, and every varietal tells a story.

Why is Mitchem Bee Company honey considered the best tasting honey in Florida?

Because we don’t cut corners. While other brands blend, import, and heat-process their honey into something generic, we source single-origin varietals directly from trusted beekeepers — many of them right here in Florida. The result is honey that actually tastes like where it came from: the delicate floral sweetness of Tupelo from the Panhandle, the bold character of Saw Palmetto from Florida’s native scrublands, the clean brightness of Orange Blossom from Florida’s citrus groves. When you taste the difference between real, raw, single-origin Florida honey and everything else on the shelf, the answer becomes obvious.

Is your honey from the United States?

100%, always. Every honey we carry comes exclusively from US hives and US beekeepers. We never blend, import, or use foreign honey of any kind. This is a non-negotiable for us — and unfortunately, it’s not the standard across the industry. Many brands, including premium-priced ones, quietly blend domestic honey with cheaper imported product. With Mitchem Bee Company, what’s on the label is exactly what’s in the jar: pure, traceable, American honey.

Do you view other honey companies as competition?

Honestly? Not really. Any beekeeper or honey brand that’s committed to ethical beekeeping, supporting pollinator health, and putting a quality product in people’s hands is doing work we respect — and we consider them friends, not rivals. The real problem isn’t too many good honey brands. It’s that most people have never tasted what honey is actually supposed to taste like. If we can help change that — alongside every other honest beekeeper out there — that’s a win for everyone, including the bees. We believe in cooperation over competition, and we mean it.

FAQ

Our Honey

Is your honey truly raw? 

Yes. Raw means our honey is never pasteurized or heated above the natural temperature of a beehive (~95–104°F). This preserves naturally occurring enzymes, antioxidants, bee pollen, and trace minerals. Natural crystallization may occur — that’s a sign of quality, not spoilage. Simply warm the jar gently in warm water to re-liquify.

What types of honey do you sell?

We offer four raw main honey product lines:

  • Varietal Raw Honeys — Single-origin, raw, unfiltered honeys each with a unique flavor profile tied to a specific nectar source and region.
  • Whipped Raw Honeys — Creamed honey with a smooth, spreadable texture. Available in Wildflower, Turmeric & Cinnamon, and Turmeric & Ginger.
  • Infused Raw Honeys — Organic ingredients cold infused into raw Central Florida Wildflower honey. Available in Blueberry, Elderberry, Lavender, Hibiscus, Jalapeño, and Thai Chili.
  • Samplers & Gift Sets — Perfect for gifting or exploring multiple varietals at once.

What makes your infused honeys different from other infused honey brands?

Almost everything about how we do it. Most infused honeys on the market are made by heating the honey to speed up the infusion process — which works, but it destroys the very enzymes, antioxidants, and raw qualities that make honey worth buying in the first place. Some brands skip real ingredients entirely and use cheap flavorings or flavor oils to fake the taste. We do neither.

Our infused honeys are cold infused — real, organic ingredients steeped slowly into our raw Central Florida Wildflower honey over an extended period of time, without heat. It’s a slower, more labor-intensive process, but it’s the only way to preserve the raw integrity of the honey while developing a genuine, full-bodied flavor from real ingredients. What you taste in our Lavender honey is actual lavender. Our Jalapeño honey has real jalapeños. Our Blueberry honey starts with real blueberries.

It takes longer. It costs more. And we wouldn’t have it any other way — because our customers deserve the real thing, not a shortcut dressed up in nice packaging.

What is whipped honey?

Whipped honey (also called creamed, spun, or white honey) is raw honey processed to control crystallization, resulting in a smooth, spreadable, butter-like texture. It’s still 100% raw — no heat, no additives. Perfect on toast, biscuits, oatmeal, or anywhere you’d use a spread. We offer Wildflower, Turmeric & Cinnamon, and Turmeric & Ginger varieties.

How can I tell if I’m buying truly premium honey?

Start by asking one simple question: where did this honey come from, and can the brand prove it? Truly premium honey is single-origin, raw, unfiltered, and traceable to a specific region and nectar source. It comes from beekeepers who prioritize colony health over volume. It’s never blended with cheaper imports to meet demand. And here’s an honest tell: you won’t find it in big box stores. Not because it couldn’t sell there — but because there simply isn’t enough of it. At Mitchem Bee Company, we could never put our name on a product we couldn’t stand fully behind, and we couldn’t produce the volume big box retail demands without compromising everything that makes our honey worth buying. If you see honey on a big box shelf — even in beautiful packaging with a premium price tag — it’s worth asking how they’re producing that much of it, and what had to give to get it there.

What should I look for when buying premium honey?

The premium honey market has a transparency problem. Beautiful packaging, high price points, and sophisticated branding don’t always reflect what’s actually in the jar. Here’s what to look for: single-origin sourcing (not a heated blend of cheap imported honeys), a specific named nectar source and region, confirmation that it’s truly raw and unfiltered, and a brand that can tell you exactly which beekeeper produced it. If a brand can’t answer those questions clearly, the price tag and pretty label are doing a lot of heavy lifting. At Mitchem Bee Company, every one of those boxes is checked — and we’re happy to talk about it.

FAQ

Our Honey Varietals

What’s the difference between your honey varietals?

Each varietal is defined by which flowers the bees visited and where. Mild and versatile varietals like Orange Blossom and North Dakota Clover are clean, sweet, and great for everyday use. Medium-bodied ones like Georgia Blackberry, Florida Wildflower, and Brazilian Pepper are fruity and complex. Bold, distinctive varietals include Gallberry — sharp and strongly flavored — alongside Saw Palmetto, which are earthy, robust, and deeply characteristic of Florida’s unique flora. Premium rarities like Tupelo and NC Sourwood are celebrated for their exceptional, nuanced flavor profiles.

Are there health benefits to your honey varietals?

Many of our customers incorporate our raw honey into their daily wellness routines, and we love hearing their stories. The information we share about our varietals reflects traditional uses and beliefs that have been passed down for generations. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before using honey for specific health purposes. What we can say with confidence: our honey is 100% raw and unfiltered, which preserves naturally occurring enzymes, antioxidants, and trace nutrients that heat-processed honey destroys. Avoid heating to maximize any potential benefits. And from our family to yours — thank you for supporting our bees.

How many honey varietals does Mitchem Bee Company carry?

We currently carry nine single-origin raw honey varietals: Florida Saw Palmetto, Florida Tupelo, North Carolina Sourwood, Florida Gallberry, Georgia Blackberry, Florida Brazilian Pepper, Florida Orange Blossom, North Dakota Clover, and Florida Wildflower. Each one is traceable to a specific region and nectar source, raw, unfiltered, and never blended. Every varietal tastes genuinely different — and we think that's one of the most exciting things about real honey.

Which Mitchem Bee Company honey varietal should I try first?

It depends on what you're looking for. If you want something universally approachable, start with Florida Wildflower or Orange Blossom — clean, familiar, and endlessly versatile. If you're ready for something extraordinary, go straight for Tupelo or Sourwood— two of America's most celebrated honeys. If wellness is your focus, Gallberry or Saw Palmetto are the ones our customers rave about. Can't decide? Our 2 oz Varietal Sampler lets you try several at once and find your favorite before committing to a full jar.

What's the best way to taste the difference between honey varietals?

Side by side — there's really no substitute. Tasting varietals together is the fastest way to understand just how different real, single-origin honey can be. We offer a 2 oz Varietal Sampler that lets you explore multiple varietals at once without committing to a full jar — perfect for discovering your favorites, building a honey flight for entertaining, or gifting to someone curious about real honey. You can order it directly from our online shop, or if you're local, come visit us in person where we'll walk you through every varietal ourselves.

Where can I taste Mitchem Bee Company honey varietals in person?

We'd love for you to try our honey. Come find us at:

Mitchem Bee Company Shop 761 Carpenter Ave, Leesburg, FL 34748 Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Brownwood Farmers Market The Villages, FL Every Saturday | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Nothing beats tasting honey side by side with someone who can tell you the story behind each jar. We'll pour you a flight and let the honey speak for itself.

FAQ

Manuka Honey & Comparisons

Do you sell Manuka honey?

We don’t — and here’s why: authentic Manuka honey comes from New Zealand, which goes against our commitment to 100% USA-sourced honey. We’re not going to compromise that standard for any product, no matter how trendy. That said, if you’re drawn to Manuka for its reputation and potential properties, we’d point you to our Florida Gallberry honey — often called “America’s Manuka” by honey enthusiasts. Gallberry shares many of the same characteristics that make Manuka celebrated, sourced right here from Florida’s native Gallberry holly shrubs. We’ll let you be the judge, but we humbly believe a teaspoon of Mitchem Bee Company raw Gallberry honey holds its own against anything imported — at a fraction of the price, with full traceability, and without leaving the country.

Is there an American alternative to Manuka honey?

Yes — and we’d argue it’s been hiding in plain sight. Florida Gallberry honey, sourced from the native Gallberry shrub (Ilex glabra), has long been recognized among serious honey enthusiasts as “America’s Manuka.” It shares many of the same characteristics that have made Manuka famous, is raw and traceable to a specific US region, and costs a fraction of what imported Manuka commands. You don’t need to import wellness from the other side of the world.

Why is Manuka honey so expensive — and is it worth it?

Manuka honey’s price is driven largely by marketing, scarcity claims, and the MGO/UMF grading system — not always by what’s actually in the jar. The market is also rife with fraud; studies have found that far more “Manuka honey” is sold globally each year than New Zealand actually produces. If you’re paying a premium for Manuka, it’s worth asking hard questions about what you’re actually getting. Our Florida Gallberry honey offers comparable characteristics, is 100% traceable to US hives, is genuinely raw and unfiltered, and we’ll put it up against any imported honey on taste, quality, and value — every time. While there's absolutely nothing wrong with Manuka honey, we're sure it's great honey; but it's just that - honey.

FAQ

Health, Wellness & Skincare

Are there health benefits to raw honey?

Honey has been used for thousands of years across cultures as both food and medicine — from ancient Egypt and Greece to traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Raw, unfiltered honey retains naturally occurring enzymes, antioxidants, bee pollen, and trace minerals that are destroyed by heat-processing. While we’re proud of what’s preserved in our honey, we’re not in the business of making medical claims. If you’re exploring honey for specific health purposes, we always recommend consulting with your healthcare provider. What we can say with confidence: it’s real, it’s pure, and it’s delicious.

What are the potential benefits of eating a teaspoon of raw honey daily?

Honey has been used daily as a wellness staple across cultures for thousands of years — and raw honey, in particular, retains the naturally occurring enzymes, antioxidants, and bee pollen that processing destroys. Many of our customers incorporate a daily teaspoon of Mitchem Bee Company raw honey into their routine and report feeling great about it. We’re not making medical claims — everyone’s body is different, and we always recommend consulting your healthcare provider for specific health guidance. What we can say: it’s one of the most natural, minimally processed things you can add to your day, and it tastes incredible doing it.

Is honey good for skincare?

Honey has been used in skincare for centuries — and for good reason. It’s naturally humectant (draws moisture to the skin), has well-documented antimicrobial properties, and is rich in antioxidants. Raw honey, specifically, retains all of these qualities that heat-processing destroys. Our honey is the real thing — genuinely raw, unfiltered, and as close to the hive as it gets — which makes it an exceptional skincare ingredient. We also carry a small line of honey-based skincare products, including lip salve, Epsom bath soaks, and more, all made with the same quality standards as our honey.

FAQ

Ethical Beekeeping & Pollinators

Do you support ethical beekeeping and pollinator health?

Yes — it’s core to everything we do. We source exclusively from beekeepers who prioritize the health and welfare of their colonies, practice sustainable hive management, and avoid practices that compromise bee health for short-term yield. Healthy bees produce better honey, and healthy bee populations are essential to the ecosystems and food systems we all depend on. When you buy from Mitchem Bee Company, you’re supporting small-scale beekeepers who are doing it the right way.

FAQ

Using Our Honey

What are some ways to use Mitchem Bee Company raw honey?

Honestly, the better question is where can’t you use it. Here are some of our favorites:

In the kitchen:

  • Drizzle over a cheese board or charcuterie spread — raw honey and aged cheese is one of the great pairings in food
  • Use as a glaze for roasted meats, salmon, or vegetables
  • Swap into baking recipes anywhere sugar is called for — honey adds depth and moisture that sugar can’t match
  • Whisk into salad dressings and marinades
  • Stir into yogurt, oatmeal, or granola

In your cup:

  • Sweeten coffee or tea — raw honey dissolves beautifully in warm (not boiling) liquid and adds flavor, not just sweetness
  • Use as a cocktail sweetener or simple syrup substitute — our infused honeys are especially incredible here
  • Blend into smoothies

For wellness:

  • A teaspoon straight off the spoon as a daily ritual
  • Mixed with warm water and lemon
  • Applied topically — raw honey has centuries of use as a skincare ingredient

For entertaining:

  • Honey flights make a stunning and interactive addition to any gathering — let guests taste the difference between varietals side by side
  • Pair specific varietals with wines, spirits, or craft beers

What’s the best honey varietal for coffee or tea?

For both coffee and tea, we recommend Wildflower or Tupelo. Wildflower is our top pick for beverages — it has a rich, well-rounded flavor that complements rather than overpowers your drink, and it’s the best value in our lineup without sacrificing quality. Tupelo is a more premium choice with a delicate, buttery sweetness that dissolves beautifully and never overwhelms. Either way, you’ll taste the difference immediately compared to processed grocery store honey — raw honey in a warm drink is something else entirely.

FAQ

Storage & Handling

How should I store honey?

Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate — cold temperatures accelerate crystallization. Honey has an indefinite shelf life when stored properly.

Is crystallized honey still good?

Absolutely. Crystallization is a natural process and a sign your honey is raw and unprocessed. It doesn’t affect flavor or quality. To re-liquify, place the jar in warm (not boiling or super hot!) water or simply set it in the sun. Many people prefer the texture of crystallized honey as a spread.

FAQ

Gifting & Custom Orders

Is Mitchem Bee Company honey a good gift?

Absolutely. Our honey makes a thoughtful, premium gift for anyone who appreciates quality food — foodies, home cooks, wellness enthusiasts, charcuterie lovers, and curious palates alike. We offer sampler sets, varietal collections, and specialty packaging including our Limited Edition Raw Honey in a Hand-Charred Collector’s Box. Whether you’re shopping for a host gift, a birthday, a holiday, or just because — honey that actually tastes like something is always a memorable choice.

Do you offer corporate gifting options?

Yes. Mitchem Bee Company honey is an excellent choice for unique corporate gifts, client appreciation, and branded gifting programs. Our premium packaging, single-origin story, and variety of price points make it easy to give something genuinely impressive, delicious, useful, and memorable. Contact us directly to discuss bulk orders, custom quantities, or curated gift sets for your team or clients.

Do you do custom or bulk orders?

Yes — and we love a good creative project. We’ve fulfilled custom orders ranging from hundreds to thousands of units, and we’re happy to work with you to bring your vision to life. Options include:

  • Custom honey bottles with or without our Mitchem Bee label
  • Private label honey bottles with your own branding applied
  • Curated gift bundles combining our honey with our skincare line — think a bottle of raw honey paired with a lip salve and an Epsom bath soak, packaged for your clients or employees
  • Corporate gifting programs for businesses looking to give something genuinely memorable
  • Combinations and quantities tailored to your specific event, campaign, or gifting need

If you have an idea, reach out — call or email us and let’s see what we can put together. We’re flexible, we’re easy to work with, and we take as much pride in a custom order as we do in every jar on our shelf.

Do you offer wholesale or private label programs?

Yes. If you’re a retailer, café, restaurant, spa, or business interested in carrying Mitchem Bee Company honey or working with us on a private label program, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out by phone or email with details about your business and what you’re looking for, and we’ll find a way to make it work.

FAQ

Ordering, Shipping & Returns

Do you ship nationwide?

Yes, we ship across the continental United States. Honey is shelf-stable and ships safely year-round.

Why don’t you sell Mitchem Bee Company honey in big box or large grocery chains?

We do carry our honey in a select few local grocers — partners we trust who share our values and serve communities where we have roots. But you won’t find us on the shelves of big box retailers or large grocery chains, and that’s a deliberate choice. That kind of retail requires volume, consistency, and price points that are fundamentally incompatible with small-batch, single-origin, raw honey from ethical US beekeepers. The moment we tried to scale to meet that demand, we’d become exactly what we’re not. So we’ve chosen to stay small, stay honest, and only put the Mitchem Bee label on honey we’re genuinely proud of. We think that’s worth more than shelf space.

What if there’s a problem with my order?

We don’t accept traditional returns — honey is a food product and once it leaves our hands, we can’t resell it. But that doesn’t mean we leave you hanging. If something arrives damaged, isn’t what you expected, or there’s any issue at all with your order, please reach out to us directly by phone or email. We’ll work with you to make it right in a way that’s fair for everyone. We’re a small, family-run business and our reputation means everything to us — we’re not going to hide behind a no-returns policy when a real person has a real problem. Just talk to us at mitchembeecompany@gmail.com or shoot us a message on our website contact page.

FAQ

Visit Us

Can I come try your honey in person before I commit to buying?

Absolutely — we’d love to meet you. You can find us at two locations:

Mitchem Bee Company Shop
761 Carpenter Ave, Leesburg, FL 34748
Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Brownwood Farmers Market
The Villages, FL
Every Saturday | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Come taste the Mitchem difference for yourself. We’ll walk you through our varietals, help you find your favorites, and answer any questions in person. Nothing beats tasting honey side by side.