Honey questions. Straight answers.

Bees are complicated. Buying honey shouldn’t be.

Here are the questions we’re asked most often about 3Farm Honey, real honey and what happens between hive and jar.

Why does honey crystallise?

Crystallisation is a natural process in honey. It doesn’t mean the honey has gone off. Different honeys crystallise at different rates depending on their natural sugar balance and storage conditions. If you prefer it runny, gently warming the jar can help the crystals dissolve again. Avoid overheating it.

How should I store honey?

Keep it sealed, dry and at normal room temperature, away from strong heat and direct sunlight. There’s generally no need to refrigerate honey — cooler temperatures can encourage crystallisation.

What is cut comb honey?

Cut comb is honey still inside the beeswax cells in which the bees stored it. We cut it from the frame rather than extracting the honey from the comb. You can eat the honey and the wax together, spread it on toast, pair it with cheese or simply attack it with a spoon. We won’t judge.

Why can one batch taste different from another?

Honey reflects where and when the bees foraged. Flowers, trees, hedgerows, weather and season all influence the nectar available. That’s why genuine local honey can vary naturally in colour, aroma and flavour. We regard that variation as provenance, not a manufacturing defect.

What does local mean at 3Farm Honey?

3Farm Honey is run by Dave and Steven in Northumberland. We manage more than 100 colonies across three Northumberland farms, harvest the crop and jar the honey ourselves. You can read more about the landscape behind the honey on our Our Apiaries page.

Can babies eat honey?

No honey should be given to babies under 12 months old. NHS guidance says honey can contain bacteria that may cause infant botulism. Once a child is over one year old, that specific infant-botulism restriction no longer applies. For current health guidance, see the NHS advice on foods to avoid for babies and young children.

Does local honey cure hay fever?

We sell honey because it’s delicious, not as medicine. You’ll hear plenty of anecdotes about local honey and hay fever, but we don’t make a claim that eating our honey prevents or treats allergies. If you have concerns about allergies, use appropriate medical advice rather than a jar of breakfast.

How can I buy 3Farm Honey?

You can order direct from us — WhatsApp is quickest — or find a jar at one of our independent stockists across Newcastle and Northumberland. We also supply 5kg trade honey to food and hospitality businesses.