Frequently Asked Questions

Great question! Crystallization is actually proof that your honey is 100% pure and raw. All real, unprocessed honey crystallizes naturally over time—it's a sign of quality, not spoilage. Mass-produced honey stays liquid forever because it's been heated to extreme temperatures or has additives. Our honey crystallizes because we never heat it above natural hive temperature (95°F), which means all the beneficial enzymes, pollen, and nutrients stay intact

Simply place the jar in a bowl of warm (not boiling) water for 10-15 minutes. Gently stir as it liquefies. Never microwave or boil honey, as high heat destroys the beneficial properties that make raw honey special.

Every jar of A&A honey comes from our own hives located right here in Redlands, California. Our bees forage in local citrus groves, wildflower meadows, and sage-covered hillsides, the same landscapes you drive past every day.

Our honey is produced using natural, chemical-free beekeeping practices. While we don't currently hold USDA Organic certification (which requires significant expense for small operations), our bees forage on diverse natural flora, and we never use antibiotics, pesticides, or synthetic treatments in our hives. We're committed to ethical, sustainable beekeeping that prioritizes bee health and honey purity.

Each varietal reflects the primary nectar source our bees visited:

• Wildflower: Complex, layered flavor from diverse blooms. Changes seasonally. Great all-purpose honey.
• Orange Blossom: Light, delicate citrus notes from Redlands citrus groves. Perfect for tea and baking.
• Sage Blossom: Aromatic, herbal flavor. Darker color. Ideal for savory dishes and cheese pairings.
• Avocado: Rich, buttery flavor. Limited availability. A California specialty.

All are 100% raw and unfiltered—just from different floral sources!

Store honey at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Never refrigerate it, this speeds up crystallization. Properly stored raw honey has an indefinite shelf life and never spoils!

No. Honey (raw or processed) should never be given to infants under 12 months old due to the risk of infant botulism. After age 1, honey is safe and beneficial for children!

Many people report relief from seasonal allergies when consuming local raw honey regularly. The theory is that small amounts of local pollen in raw honey may help your body build tolerance to allergens in your area. While more research is needed, the key is that the honey must be:

1. Raw (contains pollen)
2. Local (from the same region where you live)

Our Redlands honey contains pollen from the plants in your own backyard!

Yes! Multiple scientific studies, including research from Oxford University and the Mayo Clinic, confirm that honey is more effective than over-the-counter cough medicine for reducing cough frequency and sore throat pain. Raw honey's natural antibacterial properties, enzymes, and throat-coating texture make it a proven remedy.

How to use: Take 1-2 teaspoons straight or mix with warm (not boiling) tea with lemon.

Note: Only for children over 1 year old.

Raw honey is still a natural sugar and will affect blood sugar levels. However, some studies suggest raw honey has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar and may be metabolized differently. Always consult your doctor before adding honey to your diet if you have diabetes or blood sugar concerns.

Raw honey is still a natural sugar and will affect blood sugar levels. However, some studies suggest raw honey has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar and may be metabolized differently. Always consult your doctor before adding honey to your diet if you have diabetes or blood sugar concerns.

Absolutely! Bee rescue is at the heart of what we do. When Redlands families discover bees on their property, they call us for safe, humane removal. We relocate the entire colony (including the queen) to one of our apiaries, where they thrive and produce the honey you enjoy. Since 2019, we've rescued many hives from homes, sheds, walls, and trees across the Inland Empire.

Pricing varies depending on location, accessibility, and colony size. We offer free quotes—just call or email us with photos and details. Our goal is to save bees, so we work with families to find solutions that fit their budget. Learn more about our bee rescues services.

We primarily serve Redlands and the surrounding Inland Empire (San Bernardino County, Riverside County). Contact us to confirm we can reach your location!

We love when families are curious! Safety is our priority, so observers must stay at a safe distance. We're happy to explain the process and answer questions while we work.

You can purchase our honey:

• Online: Right here on our website (we ship!)
• In Person: At local Redlands farmers markets and events (check our Instagram for schedules)

Yes! We ship our honey and candles throughout the United States. Orders are carefully packaged to prevent breakage. Shipping costs and delivery times are calculated at checkout.

Yes! We partner with local restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and retailers. We also offer corporate gifting and custom labels for weddings/events. Contact us at aahoneyco@gmail.com for wholesale inquiries.

We occasionally offer hive tours and tasting experiences! These are announced through our email newsletter and social media. For safety reasons, our apiaries are not open for drop-in visits, but we'd love to have you join a scheduled tour or workshop. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know!

We stand behind our honey 100%. If you're not completely satisfied with your purchase, contact us within 30 days for a full refund or replacement. Your happiness matters to us!

Raw honey is honey that has never been heated above natural hive temperature (around 95°F) and has not been ultra-filtered. This preserves all the natural enzymes, pollen, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that make honey beneficial. At A&A, we only strain our honey coarsely to remove large debris like beeswax—everything else stays in!

Most grocery store honey is heavily processed—heated to high temperatures, ultra-filtered, and sometimes blended with corn syrup or imported honey of unknown origin. This processing:

• Destroys beneficial enzymes and nutrients
• Removes pollen (eliminating allergy benefits)
• Reduces antibacterial properties
• Creates a uniform but bland product

Raw honey retains all its natural goodness. You're getting a superfood, not just a sweetener!

Honey is one of the few foods that never spoils! Archaeologists have found 3,000-year-old honey in Egyptian tombs that's still edible. As long as it's stored properly (sealed, room temperature), your A&A honey will last indefinitely.

Creamed honey is raw honey that's been gently whipped to create a smooth, spreadable texture. It's still 100% pure honey—nothing added—just crystallized in a controlled way to make it creamy instead of grainy. Perfect for spreading on toast or biscuits!

Local honey:

1. Supports your community - Your money stays in Redlands, supporting local families and beekeepers
2. Helps local allergies - Contains pollen from plants in your area
3. Reduces carbon footprint - No long-distance shipping
4. Ensures freshness - From hive to your table in days, not months
5. Builds trust - You can meet the beekeeper and see where it's made!