Honeybee Hero

So, you’ve probably heard of vegans before. But, have you ever heard of Beegans?!

Beekeeper’s Naturals has coined this term, and I love it! This sustainably-harvested Canadian honey company has approached their marketing from an educational, bee-centric perspective, and I couldn’t be more buzzed about it. I decided to dive in and order their raw honey flight, but this sweet story doesn’t start there… 

I discovered Beekeeper’s Naturals when I joined Instagram in March of 2017. I was immediately drawn to their bee-friendly products and their young CEO, Carly Stein. At only 27 years old, she made Forbes 30 under 30 in 2019, and is one of my ultimate Honeybee Heroes. I was so fortunate to meet her in person at the Naturals Products Expo West a few weeks ago, but was totally starstruck and busy repping NuLeaf Naturals, that I didn’t even think to ask for a picture with her. (still kicking myself for that one…)

But this wasn’t my first time connecting with the company. After I discovered them, I made sure to show my support on their social media, and on occasion they would ‘like’ or comment on my posts as well.  About a year ago, they interviewed me for their “Beekeepers Unveiled” series on their blog. Though I have yet to manage my own bees, it was nice to be recognized by them as someone who works for the bees, no matter my job. 

Why is Beekeeper’s Naturals so Badass?!

One of the very first things I guide people on with purchasing honey is to look for local, but when the sourcing is this sustainable, I will absolutely make an exception to order from abroad. And really, Canada isn’t THAT abroad for us here in Colorado. But, I digress. 

Beekeeper’s Naturals sustainably harvest their raw honey from “remote apiaries full of healthy bees” according to their information, and work with scientists to test it for purity and quality. They also provide what they call “superfoods from the hive”, which includes a propolis spray, bee pollen, and a B-Powered Honey with royal jelly, bee pollen, and propolis all combined. They also make a super yummy Cacao Honey, and their newest is a Hemp oil infused honey called B-Chill Honey. 

True honeybee medicines. 

Also, BKN partners with two of the leading bee research institutions to support pollinator protection—The University of California Davis Honey Bee Research Facility and the Canadian Bee Research Fund. Through their partnerships they have created a platform for giving, education, and awareness regarding the plight of the bees. #SavetheBees!

Seriously, badass. 

Honey Flight

Their “Liquid Gold” is a selection of four varieties of raw Canadian honey: Sweet Clover, Raspberry Blossom, Wildflower, and Buckwheat. Though I’ve tried each of these honey varieties before, a wildflower honey from Wisconsin will not taste the same as a wildflower honey from Germany or Canada. I anticipated a whole new world of experiences with these familiar flowers, and I was right. 

Sweet Clover: 

Definitely the princess of this party. Different from white or red clover, sweet clover produces stalks of bright white or yellow flowers. The honey has golden, crystal transparency with confetti crystals sprinkled throughout. Delicate and light, with mini crunches of tiny sugar clusters that dissolve within a second of rolling them around on your tongue. Mild sweetness packed with flower essence and the slightest hint of vanilla. 

Raspberry Blossom: 

It’s no surprise that this was the most fruity honey in the flight. I personally know how brutal raspberry bushes can be, so this is by far my favorite honey. Honeybees must go to battle with those thorns in huge numbers to ensure they hit enough of the blossoms and gather enough nectar to produce a single-floral honey! And thank sweetness they do, because if they didn’t, we wouldn’t have delicious raspberries… or this unique honey. 

Wildflower: 

A multi-floral honey found everywhere in the world where honeybees buzz, but distinct to each field and hive it is harvested from. There was so much dimension to this honey from floral to herbaceous, it tastes like eating an edible flower salad. You know the bees were happy harvesting this bright and beautiful nectar. I imagine since Canada has an even shorter summer than Colorado, the bees must work even harder when the fields are in full bloom! 

Buckwheat: 

Since buckwheat is an ancient crop, this may be one of the oldest single-floral honeys ever experienced by humans. Dark and rich like maple syrup, with strong notes of coffee and toffee. According to BKN’s website (and science), “Buckwheat honey contains one of the highest antioxidant counts of all honey varietals and boasts many restorative properties.” 

Bee medicine is so bucking amazing. 

Which would bee your favorite?

Last Friday, I brought this flight into work and had it out for the day in the staff room for all to enjoy. I kept a running mental tally of who liked what, and Sweet Clover was by far the favorite. However, everyone was amazed by the complexity and darkness of the buckwheat, so I consider the experience a success. When I can demonstrate such a full spectrum of honeys, it provides a mind-opening and palate-expanding education that will be remembered for a lifetime. So many people have never tried real, raw honey, and I am so grateful that it is my mission to share this experience with as many people as possible. 

Thank you Beekeeper’s Naturals for making these special honeys available to help the world learn and care about the importance of honeybees everywhere. 

What the heck does Beegan mean anyway? 

When I first learned that vegans don’t eat honey because it abuses bees, I thought it was the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. After witnessing the effects of industrial commercial beekeeping to our bee population, our agriculture system, and our planet, I now understand. This is no joke. The honey in your cupboard could be some of the most toxic food in your house, killing the bees and you. 

I relate much more to vegan philosophy these days, and choose to consume an all organic, mostly plant-based diet and lifestyle, however, I remain open and flexible to bee-friendly, sustainably-harvested honey. I honestly think the less people eating honey, the better, especially when it is sourced from unsustainable sources. 

We forget, real food is medicine, and real honey is medicine. To me, the definition of Beegan means to consider the bees when consuming anything. 

Do you want to become Beegan too? Follow these simple steps: 

1. Buy Only Organic - food, clothing, soaps, etc.

2. Don’t spray chemicals on your lawns or gardens! Please.

3. Eat More Plants, Drink More Clean Water

4. Support your Local Beekeeper or order your raw honey at beekeepersnaturals.com

5. Tell Yo’ Friends!