Hanna's Bees

24/06/2026

BEE-SPLAINING: Why is Local Honey So Expensive Compared to Supermarket Honey?

As a beekeeper, I often hear this question: why is local honey so expensive when bees make honey for free? How is it that you can have two nearly identical jars of honey, one imported supermarket honey sold for less than €3, and one local honey sold for three times as much?

To get to the bottom of this, the question really needs to be turned on its head. Rather than asking why local honey is so expensive, we need to ask: why is imported honey so cheap?

Would you be surprised if I told you that the reason why this honey is so cheap is because a lot of it isn’t made by bees at all, it is man-made?

Honey is often quoted as being the third most falsified and adulterated food in the world, with olive oil and milk claiming first and second spot. A recent EU survey showed that nearly 50% of honey imported into the EU was suspect. This means that tests could not determine if the honey had been tampered with, blended with syrups, or was entirely fake. The situation in the US and globally is similar, if not worse.

But, I jump ahead, let’s start by looking at real honey, and what’s in it, and then compare it to fake honey.
Real honey is made from nectar, which bees collect and transform through a process of drying and enzyme addition. It contains about 16-20% moisture, 80% natural sugars (mainly fructose and glucose), and various beneficial components such as pollen, propolis, and enzymes. The type of nectar collected influences the flavour and composition of the honey, with some nectars producing honey that granulates quickly due to higher glucose content. Local honey, often minimally filtered, retains its pollen and other natural components, leading to faster granulation. This granulation is often seen as a sign of authenticity.

Fake or adulterated honey is often honey that has been diluted with cheaper sugar syrups derived from plants like sugar cane, corn, or rice. Colourants and flavourings have then been added to mimic the appearance and taste of genuine honey. These syrups bulk up the volume, making the ‘honey’ cheaper to produce than real honey made by honeybees from plant nectar.

Much of the imported honey also undergoes extensive heating and filtering. Heating prevents granulation by melting the sugars, while fine filtering removes pollen. This process delays granulation and ensures the honey remains liquid for longer, but it also strips the honey of its unique properties and makes it impossible to trace its geographical origin.

Imported honey can come from anywhere. Some of the world’s top honey exporters are China, New Zealand, Argentina, Ukraine, Brazil and India. The issue with imported honey is not that it is imported. In fact, the demand for honey is so big that we need to import, especially in poor years for honey production such as this. Some imported honey is excellent and pure. The problem with imported honey is that there is no way of knowing which is real, and which is fake. This is because, at the point of importation, very little of it is tested to ascertain if it is real honey. Most tests carried out determines if the product is food-safe, but not to verify that it is real honey made by honeybees…

Once the honey has entered the domestic market, it is blended and repackaged. If you look carefully at a jar of imported honey, you will often see the term: Blend of EU and Non-EU Honey in very small print on the lid. There is no requirement to state the ratio of EU and Non-EU honey on the label, which means that one of these blends could contain a minuscule amount of EU honey and a large proportion from countries with less stringent production standards.

The labelling of honey overall is very misleading, not just in Ireland but in the EU and beyond. Much of the imported honey sold on the supermarket shelves are sold by brands with very indigenous sounding names, with the label proclaiming that this or that family business has been keeping bees for generations etc, etc. But if you read the small print, not one drop of honey in the jar is produced domestically. Beekeepers in Europe are lobbying to change the regulation, but it could be a very long process before country of origin and blend ratios are clearly shown on the labels of imported honey.

This clever marketing ploy results in consumers believing that they are buying domestic honey in the supermarket at a much lower price than what the local beekeeper is charging, sometimes giving rise to local beekeepers being told that they are overcharging for their product when the customer can buy 'the exact same honey for half the price in the supermarket…'

Considering how much regulation is involved for beekeepers producing honey domestically, both here in Ireland, the rest of Europe and in the US, the lack of rigorous testing at the point of importation is ludicrous. It is allowing potentially adulterated honey to enter the market unchecked, flooding the market and competing with beekeepers producing real honey. To add insult to injury, the labelling laws are so weak and flawed, that it is allowed to mislead consumers into believing that they are buying a domestic product, when in fact ALL the honey in the jar is imported.

So next time you’re in the supermarket choosing between that cheap squeezy bottle of honey of dubious origin and the honey from the local beekeeper, which is pricier and has started to go a bit cloudy, ask yourself which is more likely to be real honey made by honeybees and not in some factory on the other side of the world. I think you know the answer.

Real honey isn’t cheap, and cheap honey isn’t real.

For more about Honey and bees follow Hanna's Bees

24/06/2026

becomes a ‘hive’ of fun on Thursday 13th August - with a fun, hands-on one-hour morning for families exploring the world of bees and honey with . Children will learn how bees live, how honey is made, and even meet some of Hanna’s bees up close.

The morning includes a honey-themed breakfast with pancakes, fruit, yoghurt and juice for the children, along with honey tasting, kids’ crafts, and pollination seeds to take home.
*Children must to accompanied by an adult.

Book in your little beekeepers - link in bio.

A festival run in partnership with local businesses. Supported by

23/06/2026

Are you a curious soul who enjoys learning new things?
I think you’ll love my weekly newsletter — each edition is packed with interesting and little-known bee facts, in-depth Bee-splaining, and trusted, evidence-based insights into honey, propolis, beeswax and pollen, and how they can help support everyday health, healing and wellbeing.

At Hanna’s Bees, we don’t run big online sales, as we value and support our independent stockists. But our newsletter readers receive exclusive offers, seasonal discounts, and early access to new products — plus a welcome bonus of 10% off your next order when you sign up.

Join our community today: 👉 https://hannasbees.ie/newsletter

23/06/2026

Swarming 101 – dos and don’ts

This week we have already seen a lot of swarms because of the heatwave, and there will be many more to come. If you're a beekeeper like me chances are you know what to do when you come across a swarm, but if you're not, here's what to do (and what NOT to do):

1. Contact a beekeeper as soon as you see the swarm.
Speed is of the essence. The beekeeper will want to get to you before the swarm has a chance to take off again. It is much easier to capture a swarm hanging off a branch in a tree than it is to remove an established colony from a roof or a chimney. Posting in your local facebook group is usually the fastest way to find someone to help out, but you can also try your local beekeeper’s association or swarms . ie

2. Take pictures
Images are often better than videos as you can zoom in. Pictures are useful for the beekeeper to establish a couple of things. First if it is honeybees, wasps or bumblebees. Second, if it is a swarm in transit or if they have found a cavity to move into. Third, how big it is so that the beekeeper can bring the appropriate size box to put the swarm into. Fourth, its location and if any special equipment such as ladders or tools are needed to carry out the swarm collection. It will also help to determine if it might be difficult or dangerous to remove the bees.

3. Do not assume someone else will deal with it
You might be the only person who have noticed the swarm, or other people might think it’s not their business to get involved.

4. Do not interfere with the swarm
A swarm is a living organism and does not pose a danger as long as it is not interfered with. Do not use a hose, petrol or throw objects at a swarm. This could cause the swarm to become unsettled and feel under threat. The bees would then be more likely to sting. It is important that the swarm remains intact so that it can be removed and rehomed as a whole. Do not kill it with pesticides etc. Honeybees are extremely important for our eco system and should be protected.

5. Be patient
If you have a swarm of honeybees in your garden, hanging on a branch of a tree, fencepost et c, it is important to know that the bees are only hanging out there (literally!) for a short while until they have found a good place to move. They are unlikely to build a nest or a hive in the open. So there is no need to panic. It typically takes anything from a few hours to a couple of days for a swarm to find a suitable spot. When they have found one, they will all leave.

6. What to do if there are bees in a chimney:
If a swarm is heading for a chimney or has just settled in one, light a smokey fire to try to coax them out. Once a swarm has moved into a cavity and started building wax and the queen has started to lay, it is still possible to remove the bees, but it becomes much more difficult to get them out - and it can be expensive! So, if you notice bees in your chimney, act fast!

22/06/2026

HEALTH FOCUS: What is Propolis?

Propolis is a remarkable substance created by honeybees, often referred to as Nature’s Antiseptic Marvel. It holds a world of benefits for both the bees who make it and us humans.

Honeybees collect plant resin and mix it with beeswax to create a highly anti-microbial substance called propolis. Honeybees use propolis to create a colony-wide immune system. By coating the inside of the hive with this mix, they ensure that the nest environment is reasonably stable, or homeostatic. The presence of propolis creates unfavourable conditions for fungal, viral, and bacterial pathogens to multiply. Consequently, the bees have designed a health care system where the first line of defense against pathogens is a social immune system. This social immune system puts a lot less pressure on bees and their individual immune responses, so that they can focus their energies on other things, such as building wax, feeding larvae and collecting nectar and pollen.

Outside the hive, propolis finds its place in various products for human health and wellbeing, such as tinctures and balms, due to its many health benefits. It has been used to support human health for thousands of years and is used to boost the immune system and treat a range of ailments such as mouth ulcers, fungal infections such as athlete's foot, cold-sores, ear-infections and wound healing among other things. Propolis is mostly available as a tincture which is propolis dissolved in alcohol, but can also be bought as powder or dissolved in oil.

Bees ingeniously regulate airflow by using propolis to block off entrances and create efficient ventilation. By strategically placing propolis traps, mesh screens with tiny holes that bees fill with propolis, beekeepers can encourage bees to collect more resin and create a healthier hive environment. Harvesting propolis does not harm the bees as they need to collect propolis continuously. This is because fresh propolis contain volatile compounds which are thought to be beneficial for the bees.

Propolis is a natural treasure from the bees! If you want to embrace the wonders of natural health, then give propolis a go!

To find out more about the health benefits of propolis and how to take it, visit our website.

20/06/2026

This day five years ago, just as the brambles opened their flowers for the start of the honey flow, my mentor and best friend Leo O'Donoghue said his last goodbyes and slipped away. It still feels like yesterday.

Loved, missed and fondly remembered, Leo touched the lives of so many. I miss him every day, but I feel incredibly lucky to have had him in my life. Five years on, we still laugh at the stories and wonder what nuggets of wisdom Leo would pass our way as we go through life. He gave so much and I loved him so deeply.

In old beekeeping folklore, bees were said to be messengers between this world and the next. There was a long tradition of "telling the bees" when someone died, and in many parts of the world it was believed that bees could carry messages from the living to the dead, and from the dead back to the living.

I don't believe in an afterlife.

But Leo did.

This morning, on the fifth anniversary of his passing, a large swarm arrived in my garden and moved straight into an empty hive box.

As a beekeeper I know how and why swarms happen. I can explain the biology and the behaviour. There is nothing mysterious about it.

And yet, I can't help but think of that old folklore.

If Leo were here, he would probably tell me not to dismiss it too quickly.

Perhaps he's trying to tell me something?

Dowtcha Boy!

🐝💃🌺 (And yep, hard man as he was, these were Leo's favourite emojis! ❤️)

20/06/2026

BLOG: How Children Can Safely Take Propolis

Propolis is gaining recognition for its role in supporting immune health and helping with common childhood ailments such as colds, sore throats and ear infections. Because of this, many parents ask whether propolis is safe for children and how to give it correctly. At Hanna’s Bees, we specialise in the health benefits of honeybee products, combining traditional knowledge with modern research. In order to help parents make informed decisions, this article explains what propolis is, how it supports immunity, what clinical studies show about its use in children, and how to administer it safely at home.

https://hannasbees.ie/children-propolis-safe-use-immune-support/

Learn how to give propolis safely to children for immune support. Includes research, dosage, forms, and guidance from Hanna’s Bees.

17/06/2026

Reader's question: What’s the best way for children to take propolis?

Propolis is gaining recognition for its role in supporting immune health and helping with common childhood ailments such as colds and sore throats.

Propolis is a resinous, highly antimicrobial substance made by honeybees from plant resins to protect their colonies from harmful microbes. It forms the bees’ communal immune system — their first line of defence against infection — and has been used by humans for thousands of years. Rich in bioactive compounds with antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, propolis is traditionally used to support immunity and soothe the upper respiratory tract. In recent years, scientists have studied its potential use in children for conditions such as recurrent ear infections, sore throats, mouth ulcers and gum inflammation, and it is now gaining recognition in medical research as a possible aid for many common ailments.

Propolis is available in tinctures, powders, capsules and tablets. For general immune support or during colds, the tincture is most common. These are usually alcohol-based extracts, but the daily dose is very small so should not be cause for concern.

For reference, the typical adult dose of propolis is about 500 mg daily. Children need only a fraction of this. For general immune support or during colds, start with 1–3 drops once daily for children aged 2–5 years, and 3–5 drops once daily for those aged 6–12 years. Drops should always be diluted in a warm drink, yoghurt, porridge or honey. The warmth helps evaporate most of the alcohol and softens the strong taste. Alcohol-free glycerine or water-based extracts can be used in the same way.

Propolis powder can be mixed into yoghurt, porridge or honey. A guide amount is about ¼ teaspoon (150–250 mg) daily for children aged 6–12 years and a pinch (80–150 mg) for those aged 2–5. It is not the quantity that makes the difference but regular, consistent use — small daily amounts help to support the immune system and recovery over time.

Several clinical studies have included children taking propolis, showing good short-term tolerability. A randomised trial in children aged 1–5 years found that a syrup containing propolis and zinc reduced new ear infections over three months. Another study of children with recurrent respiratory infections reported fewer illness episodes when given a supplement containing propolis, echinacea and vitamin C. Short trials in school-aged children using propolis mouthwash or chewing gum for oral health showed reduced plaque and gum inflammation. While many of these preparations combined propolis with other ingredients, they demonstrate that propolis has been safely tested in paediatric settings, though it is not included in formal paediatric treatment guidelines.

Contact allergy is the main potential side effect. To perform a patch test, apply a small drop of diluted tincture or a pinch of powder mixed with water to the inside of your child’s wrist or elbow crease. Leave it for 24 hours and check for redness or irritation. If this occurs, do not use propolis. Children generally tolerate propolis well, but it should not be given to infants under 12 months, as it may contain traces of honey.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Do not use bee products if you are allergic to them. Consult a healthcare professional for persistent or serious conditions.

12/06/2026

BEEKEEPING TIP: How to Render Beeswax

Cleaning beeswax is messy business and something of a necessary evil. But how do you get from honeycomb to clean, pristine beeswax with a minimum of mess? If you are new to processing beeswax, here's a short guide to take you through all the steps along the way. There's a lot to it, so for a more detailed description visit my blog. Following these steps you can transform beeswax from the hive into clean usable wax for candles, creams and more.

1. Before you begin, some cautions:
Protect surfaces and keep children and animals away.
Handle hot wax carefully.
Maintain a temperature around 70 degrees Celsius.
Use soft water for melting beeswax.
Get dedicated equipment for wax processing.
Focus solely on the task to avoid accidents.
Consider doing it outside the kitchen to avoid mess and inconvenience your family.

2. Separate different types of wax for different uses
Keep brood comb and cappings separate as they have different uses. Cappings wax is lighter and cleaner, great for creams and beeswax wraps. Brood comb wax works well in candles and wood- or leather conditioners. Both can be traded for foundation with suppliers.

3. First melt:
Use a steamer, solar extractor, or hot water to melt the wax. First melt will contain impurities and needs filtering. Solar and steam extractors work well for melting wax out of frames. Frames can then be cleaned and reused, while remaining cocoons or 'slum gum' are great fire starters.

Water heating method: Heat soft water with comb/cappings in a pot or heater. Strain the wax through muslin once it floats to the top. Leave the wax to harden slowly to allow impurities to settle at the bottom. scrape them off before second melt.

Second melt:
Melt the wax without water using a double boiler (bain marie or slow-cooker). Once molten, filter melted wax through fabric with a tight weave. You might want to double up on the fabric. Replace the fabric as needed (the tighter the weave the cleaner the wax, but it will clog up quicker and needs replacing) and pour the molten wax into another container.

Third and subsequent melts:
Repeat second melt, and keep at it until the wax is clean. Kitchen roll, surgical lint or horticultural fleece are good for filtering these later stages.

Enjoy the process and happy rendering!

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12/06/2026

Bee Fact of the Week

Did you know that a honeybee’s body is covered in around three million tiny hairs? These hairs act like miniature pollen magnets, helping the bee collect pollen grains as she moves from flower to flower. The hairs even branch at the tips to trap more pollen!

Even though she has millions of hairs, there are two that are extra special — one on each of her back legs. These are known as the pollen hairs. To make sure she doesn’t lose that precious pollen on her flight home to the hive, she tightly packs the damp pollen into a little pellet and secures it to her pollen hairs. In nature, every bee is a perfectly engineered little pollination machine!