GloryBee Blog

Honey Face Mask, The Homemade Skin Wonder

The rumors about honey being a health wonder have circulated for decades. Many people eat honey in the hope it supports a healthy diet; some people believe organic bee pollen and pure organic royal jelly has interesting health properties. Both substances are listed ingredients on high-end makeup and skincare brands. But regardless of the truth behind honey as healthy, people have soothing results with it as a face mask they can easily make at home!

A homemade honey face mask is a nice option for those with sensitive skin who have a hard time using products with artificial scents, dyes, and essential oils added in.

You can use plain honey on its own as a face mask, avoiding the eye area and washing it off after 15 or 20 minutes. You can also add in ingredients like oats or brown sugar as a gentle scrub, but don't scrub too hard if you have sensitive skin or prominent acne. You can cause irritation and infection by over-scrubbing with physical exfoliants. After rinsing the honey with warm water and a soft clean towel, use a gentle moisturizer to lock in all the goodness you just soaked your face in.

Why does it work? Like previously mentioned, honey is not a big irritant. Raw organic honey doesn't have any artificial colors, dyes, oils, or other additives that can irritate skin. It's also very moisturizing, helping to comfort dry skin.

Honey has some antibacterial properties as well. It's slightly acidic, with a pH ranging from 3.2 to 4.5. That acidity is enough to inhibit the spreading of some kinds of bacteria on your skin. This can help prevent bacteria-borne acne before it starts.

Keep in mind that the texture and color of raw organic honey can differ bottle to bottle. Some people may be alarmed to notice a different color or texture and assume it could affect their skin differently than their last batch of honey. This is almost never the case. The variations in honey are subtle and natural.

Many people are incorporating ordinary honey into their beauty routine as a tasty-smelling and soothing ingredient. Honey is a nice cleanser in a pinch too, easily helping to melt off makeup and dirt. What are you going to try next with honey?

4 Buzz-Worthy Honey Myths: Fact or Fiction?

Honey is a bright, delicious addition to any good family pantry. It has a huge variety of sweetening uses, including in honey candy, teas and drinks, baked goods and even in seasoned meat. Although long lauded for its versatility and taste, there are a few funny stories that surround its legendary flavor. Here’s some buzz you may have heard about honey:

Honey Never Spoils
This is a partial myth. Any regular or organic honey that is not stored properly will lose flavor, aroma, and could, of course, be subjected to ants and other invaders from the outside environment. However, if left in a well-sealed container, honey will be edible for literally thousands of years. Close the lid of your honey bears tight, and they should be fine!
Crystalized and Foamy Honey has Gone Bad
As mentioned above, well-stored honey will last you a lifetime. Differences you may notice in the color or texture of the honey are perfectly natural. White foam at the honey’s surface is produced when air bubbles move slowly through the thick material when you stand honey bears or bottles upright after pouring. After about three months, honey also tends to crystallize in the bottle. If this happens, don’t throw the honey away! The sugars in the substance have simply separated from the water. Put your honey bears or honey jars in a pot of warm water and the crystallized goop will liquefy in no time.
All Bees Produce Honey
This is another common myth. You may see a humming, yellow-and-black striped insect and think two things immediately: run! and yum! However, just as not all bee-like insects sting, not all of these bugs produce honey. The average honey bee will produce only one-twelfth of a teaspoon of honey in its lifetime, but most other species will produce zero. Of the 20,000 species of bee in the world, only about five percent make the delicious treat we love so much.
Honey Will Ruin Metal
This last myth is also partially true. Raw honey is indeed acidic, and over long periods of time can begin to corrode metal. Don’t worry about using your spoons to scoop, stir, or spread honey. The only way honey could begin to destroy the metal’s properties would be after a period of long exposure. As long as you don’t leave the spoon in the honey pot, you’re safe!

Honey is truly a fascinating food with properties that make myths almost believable. Stay informed, and don’t throw your honey out unnecessarily so you can enjoy it for eons to come!

Common Types of Bees and How to Distinguish Between Them

Just as there are different breeds of dogs, there are different races of bees. If you're a beekeeper or just someone who's interested in these awesome creatures, then it's important that you're able to tell the difference between some of the common races.

The main differences between variations of bees are subtle, but they are essential for identification. The main factors that determine these differences include:

If they are docile
Their likelihood to swarm
Their tendency to raise young late in the year which requires more honey reserves for winter
How well they suit their local environment
Their resistance to diseases
Their production of honey
Their production of propolis
Their ability to cope with cold weather

Most often, you can identify the different kinds of bees based on their physical appearance. Here are some of the more common races of bees.

Honeybees

Honeybees were imported in order to pollinate agricultural crops, making bee pollen for sale a common practice. They are easy to distinguish from other native bees by their golden-brown coloring with black abdominal stripes. For the honeybee race, the females are the worker bees. If you look closely, you can see the pollen on their legs after they've visited a flower. Honeybees live in hives run by professional or hobbyist beekeepers who help to make the bee pollen for sale. And believe it or not, these little creatures can fly up to 15 miles per hour! Thanks to honeybees, we have products like organic honey, honey bears, and even honey candy.

Bumblebees

Bumblebees are a little bit bigger than honeybees, and they have a black body covered in dense yellow and black hair. They often get confused with carpenter bees, but it's relatively easy to tell the difference. Bumblebees are much smaller than carpenter bees. Bumblebees also have hair on their abdomen where carpenter bees don't. Bumblebees get their name from their noise they make when they fly into a flower.

Carpenter bees

Finally, carpenter bees typically have a bad reputation because they can bore into your wood, make a hole, and lay eggs. Another identifiable characteristic is that they tend to swoop out of nowhere and hover in your of your face, seemingly looking you in the eye. Many people think these bees are destructive, but they are excellent pollinators.

There are tons of different kinds of bees out there, and they are all important for our way of life.

Top Reasons to Start Beekeeping During the Fall Season

Bees pollinate more than $15 billion worth of crops every year in the United States. And while you've probably heard that the bees are disappearing, humans are stepping up to protect our pollinating pals. In fact, the number of colonies managed by human beekeepers was at the highest it has been in 20 years, the USDA reported as of 2014. And if you're interested in getting started with beekeeping so that you can harvest that delicious raw honey (and help the environment!), then you're in luck -- fall is the perfect time to get into beekeeping.

Here's why you should finally explore beekeeping this autumn:

Preparation Time

You won't be able to jump right into your beekeeping endeavors during the chillier fall season, but that's okay. Instead of being hasty, take some significant time to research and learn everything you possibly can about how to successfully raise bees. You can read up on the best beekeeping equipment, scope out the best area on your property, read up on local beekeeping ordinances, and physically and mentally prepare to raise bees in just a few short months. Don't forget to seek out any certifications you may need before you get started.

Buying Bees

Though you won't necessarily be able to start beekeeping until spring, depending on your location, it often makes sense to look into local bee distributors and start gathering estimates. Many honey bee suppliers offer discounted rates during this time of year since it's approaching the offseason. Plus, in 2014, there were an estimated 2.7 million honeybee colonies in the United States, a number that is tracked by the USDA. But experts say the general honey bee population is continuing to shrink, so the sooner you can purchase your bees, the better. The sooner you start, the sooner you can harvest that delicious organic honey.

Taking Classes

As mentioned, there's a ton of info to know before getting started with beekeeping. Getting the ball rolling in the fall means that you have plenty of time to take an extended course about beekeeping basics. Never underestimate the knowledge that someone with years of experience can provide. Many times, taking one simple class can help you harvest more honey and have more success with beekeeping.

Bees are pollinators, and are responsible for cross-pollination, which helps at least 30% of crops and 90% of wild plants thrive. Informing yourself about the best beekeeping practices can help you become the best apiarist you can and harvest that sweet and delicious raw honey. For more information about beekeeping tools, contact GloryBee.

Caramelized Korean Beef with Kimchi Fried Rice

Buckwheat Honey is our central ingredient for this recipe. While some may question our choice of honey on this recipe, we picked it because Buckwheat Honey is known for its depth of flavor. You can use Buckwheat Honey for all sorts of savory recipes and we think this is a great fit! Enjoy!

Ingredients

1 pound beef sirloin, very thinly sliced against the grain

2 tablespoons soy sauce

4 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons GloryBeeⓇ Buckwheat Honey

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup short-grain white rice

2 tablespoons preferred vegetable oil, divided

¾ cup cabbage kimchi, with juice

3 green onions, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Directions

1. In a large bowl, toss beef with soy sauce, garlic, honey, sesame oil, and pepper. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.

2. In a medium saucepan combine rice with 1¼ cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Scoop rice onto a baking sheet and spread out to cool slightly.

3. In a large heavy skillet heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high. Add beef to skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until well-browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate.

4. In same skillet heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Add rice and kimchi and cook, stirring, until heated through and starting to brown slightly, about 5 minutes.

5. Serve beef on top of rice and sprinkle with green onion and sesame seeds.

Bee-ginner’s Guide to Using Bee Pollen Safely and Effectively (Part 2)

In the last post, we discussed the steps required to start taking organic bee pollen powder safely. However, once you understand how to consume it, it's just as important to know when to consume it. Here's part two of our beginner's guide to using bee pollen safely, where we'll discuss some more essential details related to bee pollen consumption.

Soaking Bee Pollen

Bee pollen, food for young honey bees, is about 40% protein and is rich in amino acids. But before you buy raw bee pollen for consumption, you should consider any digestive issues that may affect how the pollen is absorbed. If you suffer from digestive issues such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohns, Colitis, bloating or gas, or any other condition that impairs digestion, soaking your bee pollen can make it easier on your stomach. Just soak your bee pollen for a full 12 hours to make it more easily digestible.

Keep in mind that it's generally believed that the soaking process is only necessary for those with digestive issues or sensitivities. In most cases, the human body is able to break down the outer shell of the pollen granules without a problem.

Pollen Sensitivity

In our prior post we recommended talking with a doctor before taking any bee pollen. If you experience mild allergy symptoms when you take bee pollen, e.g., a runny nose, itchy throat, sweating, teary eyes, or a headache, be sure to check back in with your doctor immediately. If they give the OK, try cutting back your dose and starting the acclimation process over again. One pellet of bee pollen contains more than 2 million grains of flower pollen, and it could be possible that your allergy symptoms can be alleviated once you develop more of a tolerance for the substance.

When to Take Bee Pollen

Many people wonder when is the best time to take bee pollen. They'll be glad to know that this substance is not known to interfere with any vitamins, supplements, or prescription drugs. It can be taken safely at any time of the day or night. Just be aware that some experience a jolt of energy after taking the substance, so it may be best to consume it earlier in the day rather than at night. It can also be mixed into anything, including cereal, applesauce, yogurt, smoothies, and more.

Now that you know how to safely consume it, you can buy raw bee pollen for sale and start ingesting it in small doses. Don't forget to store it in the freezer for maximum freshness!

Bee-ginner’s Guide to Using Bee Pollen Safely and Effectively (Part 1)

Everybody knows that bees are essential to our crop production and the overall sustainability of our ecosystem. Bees are pollinators and are responsible for cross-pollination, which helps at least 30% of crops and 90% of wild plants thrive. And while many people think of raw organic honey as bees' only edible byproduct, organic bee pollen is now growing in popularity due to its possible effects. But to use organic bee pollen powder safely, it's important to take some precautions. Here's part one of our beginner's guide to using bee pollen safely and effectively.

First Time Use

Before taking bee pollen it's important to talk with your doctor. If you're taking bee pollen for the very first time, it's important to 'test the waters' and make sure you don't have any sort of sensitivities to the substance. This means that you should start with a very small amount and then gradually increase your intake. Bee pollen is by no means considered a drug, but as with many new substances, it's best to start slow in the rare event that you have some sort of intolerance or allergy.

How to Ingest

To be safe, first time users should place one granule's worth of bee pollen powder under their tongue. Let it dissolve entirely and become absorbed into the mucous membrane and into your bloodstream. Wait a few minutes and see if you experience any sort of reaction. If you don't feel any adverse effects, this means it's generally safe to up your intake the following day and take two granule's worth of the substance.

Ongoing Use

You should keep in mind that just because you don't experience any adverse reactions the first day doesn't mean you're certain to be 100% tolerant to the substance. Though allergic reactions to bee pollen are quite rare, they often depend on the dose you're taking. With this in mind, experts recommend increasing your dose by just one granule's worth per day for a month. After this time, you can continue ongoing use, as long as you personally feel confident that you won't experience any adverse effects.

Ultimately, understanding how to begin taking bee pollen is the key to getting the most of all the substance has to offer. Keep an eye out for the next post, where we'll discuss some more safety tips for proper bee pollen use.

Here Are Some Exciting Autumn Honey Varieties Worth Buzzing Over

Americans consume about 1.3 pounds of honey per person per year. And while most people are only familiar with the classic raw organic honey found in honey bears, you may be surprised at some seasonal varieties worth trying. Autumn is just around the corner, so see if you can find these delicious types of honey near you:

Buckwheat Honey

This fascinating type of seasonal honey tends to be quite polarizing -- people seem to either love it or hate it. Either way, it's definitely worth trying. It's dark and thick, meaning it's full of nutrients. Buckwheat honey, in particular, has plenty of nutrients. And when it comes to beekeeping basics, buckwheat is great for beginners. It grows fast, becoming fully developed from seed to flower in about four short weeks. With that timeframe, you can harvest your buckwheat honey faster than ever.

Bamboo Honey

Experts consider this type of honey to be a bit of a softer version of buckwheat honey. Though it's dark, it's a bit more floral. Surprisingly, it's made from an invasive species called Japanese Knotweed, which is also referred to as fleece flower or elephant's ears. If you're looking for a milder version of buckwheat honey, this may be the type for you.

Goldenrod Honey

Goldenrod honey is another softer honey that's typically harvested in late October. It doesn't have the full, rich flavor or texture of buckwheat honey, but many people actually prefer it because it's said to help with fall allergy symptoms. Like bamboo honey, it's also great for making mead.

"Allergy sufferers in particular love and benefit from goldenrod honey because the flower is the source of so many fall allergies. Just remember to buy and have last year’s goldenrod on hand already, so you have it in time for this year’s bloom," writes Kristina Mercedes Urquhart on HobbyFarms.

In 2014, there were an estimated 2.7 million honeybee colonies in the United States, a number that is tracked by the USDA. With this number in mind, it's clear to see why there are so many unique types of seasonal honey worth giving a taste. For more information about beekeeping basics, contact GloryBee.

Exploring the Best Breakfast Foods to Enjoy With Honey

We all know that bees are pollinators and are responsible for cross-pollination, which helps at least 30% of crops and 90% of wild plants thrive. But what's even more recognizable is the distinct sweet, golden honey bees create that complements countless foods perfectly. Add a bit of sweetness to your morning by trying these breakfast foods with honey.

Muffins

Though muffins come in many different varieties, most of them have one thing in common: they're even more delicious when eaten with honey. You can drizzle the honey directly onto your muffin, or if you're feeling creative, tantalize your taste buds by whipping up a honey butter mixture. The ratio is up to you, but raw organic honey and butter whipped together and spread on a muffin is truly perfection on a plate. It's sure to keep you satisfied all morning long.

Tea

Tea is a soothing morning beverage option any time of the year, and it's delicious both hot and cold. But instead of adding an artificial sweetener, why not try a natural touch with some raw organic honey? It blends in perfectly and truly brings out the delicate flavor profiles of any type of tea. And believe it or not, it's ideal for coffee drinkers as well, so go buy a honey bear and start your morning right.

Fruit/Oatmeal

Finally, a bowl of hot oatmeal and fruit drizzled with the right amount of honey makes a quick and hearty breakfast for any occasion. Honey is so versatile when paired with oatmeal, and the same goes for fruit -- strawberries, blueberries, and apples are all better when paired with honey. So mix up your favorite oatmeal and fruit combination and finish it off with a honey drizzle for a morning boost.

Ultimately, Americans consume about 1.3 pounds of honey per person per year, and there's really no wrong way to eat honey. You can even eat it straight from the jar like Winnie the Pooh if you really want to -- we won't tell! But these foods can provide nutrition and nourishment while satisfying your sweet tooth with a morning dose of honey. For more information about honey bears and other bulk honey for sale, contact GloryBee.

5 Honey Dishes to Sweeten Your Summer Barbeque

By now, we all know how great honey is. But not only can it sweeten your drinks, it's also a great addition to any backyard barbeque this summer. Try these honey-inspired recipes that are all the buzz this summer.

Roasted Carrots with honey

Looking for a sweet way to get your kids to eat healthily? Try simmering some whole carrots in a beautiful organic honey. Get some carrots that are similar in size to promote even cooking. For kid-friendly portions, try roasting baby carrots with honey for a delightful finger food.

Salad, salad, and more salad

Chop some candied walnuts and add a healthy dose of fresh fruit to your springy lettuce salad. Berry salads burst with flavor and are more than welcomed on a hot summer day. Simply drizzle some honey dressing over the salad for a healthy glaze instead of using fatty ranches or mustards.

Honey-glazed meats

Whether you prefer ribs, steaks, or chicken, adding a sweet element to your usually savory main dish is a welcome surprise on a hot day. Try experimenting with different flavors with flavored honey straws and organic royal jellies with vinegar bases or barbeque sauces. Though it tastes sweet, honey technically qualifies as an acid, making it an easy-to-add feature in most dishes, whether they're sweet or savory.

Flan

Flan is a type of custard that is bound to improve any summer cookout. Instead of the usual ice cream, opt for this cool custard with raw organic honey as a healthier option that doesn't weigh you down in the summer sun. Pair it with fresh fruits to make for the perfect citrus-inspired summer treat.

Honey bourbon cocktails

As the day winds down and evening is on the horizon, the adults at your summer barbeque may want to unwind themselves: offer a delicious cocktail nuanced with honey bourbon flavors. Bourbon is surprisingly fun to mix with a slew of summer cocktails and the honey will give it a sweet tang you could only dream about. Mix it with ciders or other tonics for a refreshing, unique backyard drink. Don't be afraid to add more organic honey for those with a sweet tooth!

Your backyard barbeque can only benefit from the addition of delicious honey. If you're struggling to find where to buy honeystix, try your local farmers market: local beekeepers often sell cheap, bulk honey perfect for any occasion. When the average American eats over one pound of honey per year, you might just need to buy in bulk.

Giving Bees Sugar Water: Healthy or Hazardous?

Everybody knows that the Internet is filled with endless insight, but there's just as much information that's misleading or downright incorrect. One recent piece of 'wisdom' that's made its rounds on social media advises people to giving a honey bee a mix of sugar and water to help it recover if you find one in your home that's lost its way. While well-intentioned, this half-truth doesn't quite tell the full story.

"There's almost nothing more adorable than imagining yourself Disney princess-ing it up, ferrying some sugar water to a bee who's had a hard day, and watching it fly away knowing you've saved a tiny life. But, well, there's some bad news: This sweet advice could actually do more harm than good," writes James Loke Hale on Bustle.

Honey bees can fly up to 15 miles per hour, and it's not at all uncommon for them to become disoriented during flight and stop to rest. It may seem logical to give bees sugar water to revive them, but according to beekeeper Chris Wyatt from New South Wales, this is like feeding them "the equivalent of fast food." Yikes!

While it's not entirely unheard of for trained beekeepers to feed honey bees this sugary combination to help a colony as it's just starting off, it's not something that the inexperienced beekeeper should attempt.

The main reason this method isn't quite effective is because most sugars used are cheap syrups or other substitutes that aren't a natural part of honey bees' diets. In fact, the wrong type of sugar can cause bees to develop dysentery and start making tainted honey or bee pollen. For beekeepers trying to collect and distribute bulk honey for sale, this can mean significant financial losses as well.

Remember, bees are pollinators and are responsible for cross-pollination, which helps at least 30% of crops and 90% of wild plants thrive. If you're not a beekeeper, it's best to simply leave a tired bee alone and let it recover on its own. This is just one lesson of many beekeeping basics that everyone should know about. For more information about beekeeping for beginners or bulk honey for sale, contact GloryBee.

Visiting the Land of Milk and Honey: 3 Ways to Enjoy Honey With Your Breakfast

Raw organic honey is delicious at any time of the day, but there's something special about enjoying it as part of a healthy breakfast. Since 2006, the retail price of honey has almost doubled, but it only takes a small bit of this sweet treat to put a zip in your step and start your day right. Here are just a few nutritious and delicious ways to add honey to your breakfast.

Peanut Butter Honey Toast

Many people used to enjoy this quick and easy breakfast during their childhood, but it's equally delicious at any age. Simply toast your favorite type of bread to perfection, spread a layer of your favorite peanut butter (crunchy or smooth -- your call), and drizzle with some raw organic honey. Fast, easy, and delicious -- not to mention, full of protein. Don't be afraid to experiment by using different types of bread and/or different flavors of honey; the possibilities are endless!

Honey as Syrup

Though pancakes and waffles are traditionally paired with maple syrup, they're equally delicious if you use honey as a replacement. You can cut down on sugar intake and give your favorite hot breakfast dishes a whole new twist. Again, don't hesitate to try different flavors of raw honey.

Honey Granola

Granola is known for being versatile with countless breakfast dishes, and when combined with honey, it's virtually impossible not to enjoy. The best part of this unique breakfast option is that you can customize it with your favorite ingredients, from nuts, to seeds, to dried fruits, and more. If you need some inspiration, check out Prevention's buzz-worthy recipe, which includes oats, pumpkin seeds, almonds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, cranberries, and raisins. It does take a bit of extra measuring and preparation, but it's well worth it for a delicious and nutritious payoff.

Remember, Americans consume about 1.3 pounds of honey per person per year. There's truly never a bad time of day to enjoy honey, and adding it to any number of breakfast options can make your morning extra sweet. For more information about raw organic honey or bulk honey for sale, Contact GloryBee.