Back in 1989, the National Honey Board declared the month of September as National Honey Month as a way to promote beekeeping and honey production (and honey consumption!) in the U.S.
It’s a major commodity for both beekeepers and consumers. U.S. honey production in 2020 totaled 148 million pounds, with 2.71 million colonies producing honey. The yield per colony average was 54.5 pounds, according to the USDA. The Honey Board noted that per capita consumption by Americans is almost 1.7 pounds each year.
Besides being a sweetener, used in everything from coffee to cakes, it’s reported some chemicals in honey might kill certain harmful bacteria and fungi. When applied to the skin, honey might serve as a barrier to moisture and keep skin from sticking to wound dressings. It might also provide nutrients and chemicals that speed wound healing, per WebMD. And, obviously, it’s great for helping to soothe a sore throat.
According to Sioux Honey, the natural sweetener can be used for myriad self-care things too. You can combine just one teaspoon of honey with one quart of warm water and soak it in your hair to make it glossy. You can make a homemade face wash by mixing just a drop of honey with warm water. Add honey and olive oil to your bath for a moisturizing skin conditioner. You can even make your own homemade lip balm by mixing honey, beeswax, olive oil and cocoa butter together. Who needs Lush?
If you want to buy local honey, many roadside farm stands, farmers markets and your local co-ops will likely have some on their shelves. (You can find a local cooperative at www.naae.org/MyLocalCooperative/local_cooperative.cfm.)
However, if you’re interested in keeping your own bees to make your own honey, there are a lot of resources available to help you in your quest.
- Beekeeping for Newbies is a great source. They note that the minimum cost to start beekeeping with one beehive is about $725 for the first year: a set of hive components costs around $275; a bee package is approximately $150; protective gear and basic tools cost $165; and miscellaneous costs for supplies and sales taxes are about $150. The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service states that as of late August 2021, honey prices at wholesale are $5 to $6 per pound and $8 to $10 per pound retail, so it could be a worthwhile investment if you and your family really love honey (like I do).
- Penn State Extension’s Beekeeping 101 course is a helpful virtual source of information. Extension offices in many states offer classes like these both online and in person – so take advantage of them!
- YouTube is, as always, a treasure trove of wisdom as well. I’d recommend I Like to Make Stuff’s video on how to build your own beehive. Not only would you have the pleasure of creating something with your own hands, you’d be supporting your local hardware store and lumberyard by buying your own supplies.
If you’ve had success starting up your own beekeeping hobby this year, let us know! And if you’ve found any other fun uses for honey, tell us that too. We’re all about learning new things!
