The art of beekeeping, which dates back to ancient Egypt, is being practised throughout the Georgian Bay region. There is perhaps no better example of working in harmony with nature, as bees are vital in growing the foods that we eat. In addition to the importance of bees in supporting the planets biodiversity, they also produce delicious naturally sweet honey, that comes in a variety of flavours, colours, aromas and is packed with many health benefits. Each type of honey has characteristics that reflect the region in which they were produced. Some examples of honeys from our area include clover, wildflower, buckwheat, lavender and cranberry honeys. Many communities in Georgian Bay have pledged or have been designated as “Bee Cities”. These communities include, Collingwood, Midland, Township of Georgian Bay, Township of Severn, Barrie and Orillia. They have agreed to support a number of bee friendly initiatives such as planting pollinator gardens and designating no-mow and reduced mow zones in local parks. The tradition of beekeeping has often been passed on through generations or by the generous mentorship of local beekeepers. The extensive knowledge, dedication and hard-work is evident when meeting our local beekeepers. We were fortunate enough to visit and chat with a number of these passionate apiarists. They told amazing stories of how they came to be beekeepers, what inspired them on this sometimes, challenging path and of their constant wish to learn more to improve the health of their bees and the character and quality of their honey. To quote James Clarkson, owner of Collingwood Honey Farms, “Nothing beats seeing the first honey flow of the season starting to come into the hives”. Join us as we celebrate the wonderful world of bees. As businesses safely re-open, a visit to these local honey producers will give you an even greater appreciation of their passions and for their products. Turnview Farm Honey and Beekeeping Equipment www.turnviewfarmhoney.com Honey House: located just north of Barrie on Hwy 93 near Waverley The Buzz: Paul and Emily Turner, owners of Turnview Farm, are passionate and knowledgeable about the art of beekeeping as well as being amazingly welcoming. Their journey in beekeeping over the past decades, started with a shared interest in agriculture while growing up and later in their studies. As is stated on their website, the Turners are “committed to the lifestyle of producing, buying and consuming local food, while supporting the local economy”. This philosophy is most evident in the many products sold in the beautifully designed shop at their farm, their sharing of knowledge through bee keeping courses and their continued support of local apiaries and the University of Guelph’s research initiatives. They are licensed sellers of queen bees and provide nucs and all one needs to begin your own beekeeping journey. Sweet Offerings: As well as offering Wild Flower Honey, Buckwheat Honey, Cut Comb Honey, Honey Butter and Bee Pollen they also carry bee’s wax candles, food wraps, bird seed, jams, jellies, fresh eggs, maple syrup and a full range of bee keeping equipment and clothing. Honey from this amazing farm is also available at Farm2Door and other local shops. Collingwood Honey Farms www.collingwoodhoneyfarms.ca Honey House: Collingwood The Buzz: Owner, James Clarkson was first introduced to beekeeping at around eight years of age by his grandfather who was associated with the University of Guelph, as an entomologist. Despite already possessing an extensive knowledge of beekeeping, James strives to constantly improve the health of his bees and the quality of the honey they produce. According to James, there are many factors that need to be considered when producing the final honey product. Weather, flora, terroir, colony introduction timing, colony genetics and knowledge of bloom periods are all crucial in the character of the honey made. In addition to producing Ontario Grade 1 honey, the Collingwood Honey Farms also offer pollination services to local fruit and vegetable growers and breeder stock for other bee keepers. Sweet Offerings: Available on their website or at their 24/7 Honey Hut are Golden #1 Honey, Cream Honey, Cinnamon Creamed Honey, Comb Honey, dried bee pollen and bees wax products. Mr. Clarkson, like many of his apiarist colleagues, enjoys honey best on “a fresh slice of bread with some melted local butter and a generous serving of our spreadable cream honey”. Follow them on Instagram! Chatsworth Honey www.chatsworthhoney.com Honey House: Chatsworth (on highway 10 in the village of Chatsworth, only 12 km south of Owen Sound) The Buzz: This family owned and operated apiary has been in operation since 1923 and now boasts some 700 beehives that are used for apple pollination, honey production and provision of queens and nucs. Toby Bruce and Kelly Rogers have been beekeeping at this location since 1988. Sweet Offerings: One can purchase at the Honey House in Chatsworth, as well as Grandma Lambe’s 11, the Owen Sound Farmer’s Market and many other local shops (check their website). Flavours of honey, when available include, Summer Flower, Autumn Blossom, Basswood and Buckwheat. Fernstone Naturals www.fernstonenaturals.ca Honey House: Stayner The Buzz: This company specializes in the creation of lovely beeswax candles. Their broad selection of candles includes, votives, rustic pillar candles, three-wick candles and a variety of animal candles. Sweet Offerings: One can purchase liquid and creamed honey. Lost Meadows Apiaries-“The Graeme Foers Co. www.graemefoers.com Honey House: Egbert (in Essa Township, near Base Borden) The Buzz: This venture encompasses “Tapped Out” Maple Syrup, “Sweet Gatherings” Flowers and “Lost Meadows” Honey. Lost Meadows Apiary, focusses on small batch honey created from a number of “terroirs”. Their meadows are spread throughout the region encompassing forests, rolling fields of hay, seas of milkweed, wetlands and lakeside locations. Honey from each of their meadows is kept separate, thus providing distinct flavours that echo the bee’s habitat. Sweet Offerings: We purchased the following honeys at the 100 Mile Store in Creemore: Meadow #12 “Northern Lights” from the Muskoka Lakes (July Bloom) and two Meadow #8 “Summer Love” from Creemore Meadows, one gathered in June and the other in August. One can really appreciate the efforts put in to creating these distinctive local honeys. Lavender Hills Farm www.lavenderhillsfarm.ca Honey House: Severn The Buzz: Located on 25 acres of hardwood and softwood forest, as well as tall grass prairie, Lavender Hills Farm also produce honey by utilizing additional bee yards in Oro-Medonte, Rama, Severn Townships as well as Johnson’s Cranberry Marsh in Bala. Sweet Offerings: They have produced award-winning honey as well as skin care products and bees wax candles which are available at local farmer’s markets, Hewitt’s Farm Store and through online orders. Honey products include liquid raw and creamed raw honeys, ginger infused honey, honey mustard and a honey fudge sauce which is perfect over icecream. Beaver Valley Gold Honey www.bvgoldhoney.com Honey House: Clarksburg The Buzz: Located on Mill Street, in beautiful Clarksburg, these honey producers carry on a 90-year beekeeping heritage. With over 250 bee colonies, Keri and Al Lockhart, demonstrate a passion not just for the production of honey, but also for educating others on the wonderful world of bees and honey. Beaver Valley Gold Honey take pride in the fact that their bee yards are to be found in the clover and wild flower rich Beaver Valley. When Covid-19 protocols are relaxed, a visit to the Beaver Valley Gold Honey House is a must for those wishing to purchase their honey products and learn more about the bee keeping industry at their educational centre. Sweet Offerings: Ontario #1 Golden Honey, beeswax candles, healing balms Buzzing Bush Apiary www.buzzingbushapiary.ca Honey House: Kimberley (the Beaver Valley) The Buzz: While doing research for this blog, we were truly fortunate to meet Jocelyn Bertrand and Alain Johnson at Buzzing Bush Apiary which is nestled on 50 acres, just a stone’s throw from the picturesque town of Kimberley, Ontario. It was immediately obvious how passionate they both are about beekeeping, organic farming and the production of their flavourful, organically designated honey. In addition to their apiary business, Jocelyn and Alain also allowed us to view their extensive selection of Day Lilies, which they also sell. Jocelyn explained that he has spent years developing his extensive knowledge of beekeeping which he shares with other local apiarists. Buzzing Bee Apiary also offers an opportunity for 2-hour tours during which Jocelyn introduces people to an overview of the honey making process. Sweet Offerings: While we were there, we purchased #1 Golden Multi-floral and spreadable honey. They also sell pollen, wax and propolis. Buzzing Bee Apiary was proudly featured in the Spring 2021 Georgian Bay Living “Escarpment” magazine which shines a light on Jocelyn and Alain’s wonderful horticultural endeavours. McCutcheon’s Apiary www.mccmaple.com Honey House: Coldwater The Buzz: We last visited McCutcheon’s Maple Syrup, when the sap was flowing, and were lucky enough to meet Ken McCutcheon, and to find out that, in addition to maple syrup production, he also had bee hives which he explained, is a perfect extension to their maple syrup enterprise. According to Ken, honey season runs from May until October, while maple syrup season keeps them busy from November until April. He said that each season brings different weather and new challenges, but working with bees is working with nature and brings him great satisfaction. Their honey character varies from year to year, depending on which flowers are blooming and, in their production, McCutcheons’ avoid the use of any heat in the harvesting of the honey in order to preserve its’ maximum flavour. Sweet Offerings: Their pure, unpasteurized Wild Blossom Honey is a number 1 white honey made from the nectars of wild apple, plum, cherry, sweet clover, alfalfa, basswood and raspberry sources. According to their website, this delicious honey will be available in late summer 2021. Adam’s Honey www.adamshoney.com Honey House: Victoria Harbour The Buzz: We met beekeeper and owner Adam Ritchie at the Barrie Farmer’s Market last summer and were fascinated to learn of his journey to beekeeping and how it was an “extension of the sustainable lifestyle” that he has strived for. This proud member of the Huronia and Ontario Beekeepers Associations, produces his honey and bees wax related products, out of his farm near Vasey, Ontario and his bee colonies that are found at some 11+ farms, throughout the region. Sweet Offerings: On site is a honey hut that offers Liquid and Creamed Wildflower Honey, rich and flavourful Buckwheat Honey, Honey with Ginger and Honey with Cinnamon, as well as bee related skin products. Adam’s Honey products can also be found at regional farmer’s markets during market season. Follow him on Instagram! Innisfil Creek Honey www.innisfilcreekhoney.com Honey House: Innisville The Buzz: On our drive towards Stayner, we stopped off at a honey house, located at Sunnyside Acres Farm, to purchase some honey. In addition to selling honey, Innisfil Creek Honey offer a full range of bee keeping equipment as well as bee keeping courses. Sweet Offerings: #1 Gold Wildflower Honey, #1 White Creamed Honey and delicious Cinnamon Infused Honey, a perfect breakfast treat, are available. Tommy B’s Honey-Shantom Farms www.shantomfarms.ca Honey House: Vasey The Buzz: We visited this beautiful farm, to purchase honey from their cash only, self-serve honey house. While purchasing honey, we were met by Shanna Bourgeois and their two Border Collies, Jay & Bella. This is a welcoming family-run farm that is steadily expanding their honey production. Sweet Offerings: We purchased their #1 White Wildflower Honey as well as some delicious Ginger Infused Spreadable Honey, Black Garlic Honey and Bee Pollen. Mundy’s Bay Honey - Facebook Honey House: Penetanguishene The Buzz: We met the Ritchies at the Midland Farmer’s Market. They were extremely generous with their time, telling us of what inspired them to begin beekeeping as well as enthusiastically answering questions and sharing their wealth of knowledge. We had noticed their product signs at a number of local food providers such as Farm2Door and Dubeau’s Farm. This small batch, honey producer has their hives located away from commercial farms with a focus on having “happy, healthy” bees. Sweet Offerings: They focus on small batch, all natural, raw wildflower honey. They also have creamed honey with organic cinnamon. Orillia Honey Facebook Honey House: Orillia The Buzz: While attending the Orillia Farmer’s Market we visited the Orillia Honey display which was well stocked with honey, bees wax products and an array of beautiful, beeswax candles. The vendor told us how Orillia Honey’s owner, Paul Gillett had been introduced to beekeeping by his father as a young boy and has been beekeeping for many decades. Mr.Gillett’s wealth of experience has made him a mentor to other beekeepers, in this close knit community. Sweet Offerings: We purchased their #1 White Clover Honey which is so subtle in flavour and is great as a sweetener for baked goods. They also offer high quality #1 Gold Honey and Buckwheat Honey. Other than at farmers markets, Orillia is also available in shops such as Apple Annie’s and grocery stores in the Orillia and Coldwater area. Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery www.cranberry.ca Honey House: Bala The Buzz: This cranberry farm and winery makes use of beehives from local apiaries to pollinate the cranberry bogs and, as a result, is able to provide a truly unique cranberry honey made from the bees labours. Sweet Offerings: Cranberry honey, a seasonal offering, is available from their farm store and is a light, delicate honey with a lovely tart flavour. Bonnie Bee Honey www.bonniebeehoney.com Honey House: Tiny The Buzz: Joe DeVillers started bee keeping as hobby in 1981 and it has now grown into a full- time business, managing some 200 hives in addition to offering pollination services to local crops. Daughter, Denise Graham, is now also involved as a full-time beekeeper and continues to hone her skills. In addition to producing honey, they are actively involved in educating people of all ages about bee keeping. Sweet Offerings: Their self-serve window (check website for times), sells #1 Golden Honey “from the fields and forests of Georgian Bay”, comb honey, creamed honey, bee hotels and a variety of bee’s wax and skincare products. Georgian Bay Honey www.georgianbayhoney.com Honey House: Owen Sound The Buzz: Master Bee Keepers, Gabriella Burger and Geoff Jennen, have decades of education and experience in the art of beekeeping. Their core values of excellence, hard work and integrity have resulted in their award-winning honey garnering high placement at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Sweet Offerings: In addition to supporting apiarists by selling queens, cells and nucs, they also offer Buckwheat Honey, #1 Golden Liquid Honey, Blueberry Honey, Ginger Infused honey as well as creamed and creamed cinnamon honeys. Their honeys are sold as gate farm honey and on their website. Reusable Beeswax Wraps (recipe makes approximately 4 - 5” wraps and 6 - 10” wraps) - 2 tbsp (30 ml) organic jojoba oil - 6 tbsp (20 g) food grade pine resin - 1 cup (128 g) organic beeswax pieces - 100% cotton fabric (preferably organic) - 1 large mason jar or heat-proof glass jar - paint brush - parchment paper - popsicle stick or wooden skewer - pinking shears - string and clothespins (to hang wraps to dry) NOTE: Beeswax can be purchased at most apiaries, at some online health stores and craft stores. Jojoba oil and pine resin can be purchased online at some craft stores and health specialty shops. 1. Wash and dry fabric. Iron out any wrinkles. 2. Measure and cut fabric into desired sizes. We made 6” and 10” squares. Larger rectangles would better to wrap sandwiches. 3. Place pine resin, beeswax, and jojoba oil in a mason jar and set in a saucepan. 4. Add water to saucepan making sure all contents inside jar are submerged. Bring water to a boil on medium-high heat. 5. Preheat oven to 300° F. 6. Allow ingredients to melt together, stirring occasionally (about 20 to 25 minutes). 7. Cover large cookie sheet with a sheet of parchment paper larger than your biggest piece of fabric. 8. Spread a fabric piece (or pieces, depending on size) flat on parchment paper. 9. Brush mixture lightly onto fabric. It’s easy to oversaturate. 10. Put cookie sheet in oven for 2-3 minutes, or until fabric looks wet. 11. Remove and turn the fabric over using tongs. Brush additional wax on any spots of fabric that aren’t saturated. Place the pan back in the oven to bake an additional 3 minutes. 12. Wipe away excess wax on parchment paper before placing the next wrap(s). Work quickly, as the wax solidifies quickly. When not using the jar of melted wax keep it in the hot water. 13. Once you’ve removed any excess wax, hang wrap to dry. Drying only takes a few minutes. 14. Repeat steps with other pieces of fabric until you are out of wax. 15. Once fully dry, hand-wash wraps in cold water and hang to fully dry before using or storing. Caring for Wraps: Only use cold water when cleaning your beeswax food wraps. If your wrap only touched non greasy or dry surfaces like bread, carrots, or edge of a bowl, you can just dust them off or wipe with a clean soft sponge and let dry. If they are greasy, you can use a mild dish detergent to sponge them off. Make sure to rinse them in cold water. Storing Wraps: Store beeswax wraps in a cool, dry and breathable place clean from dust or food particles, such as a tray in the kitchen drawer. Depending on how often you use them, these wraps might last up to one year. IMPORTANT: Beeswax wraps are not suitable for wrapping certain foods like raw meat or highly acidic food. You should not use them in the microwave or in high heat environments like in a hot car. They should not be washed with hot water. Georgian Bay Wildflower Honey Cake
This yeast dough cake, inspired by German Bee Sting Cake (Bienenstich), with an almond caramel topping, is best with a serving of honey sweetened whipped cream. It may be filled with a honey buttercream (our favourite), apricot jam or lemon curd. Ingredients: For the cake: - 1 cup fine almond flour - 3 cups all-purpose flour - ½ tsp. salt - 1 package of instant active dry yeast - 1 cup of whole milk or almond milk - ¼ cup wildflower honey - 3 tbsp. unsalted butter - 1 egg, lightly beaten - Zest of 1 lemon - 1 tbsp. freshly grated ginger For the topping: - ½ tsp. salt - 1/3 cup wildflower honey - ¼ cup sugar - 1 tbsp. vanilla extract - 3 tablespoons heavy cream - 6 tablespoons butter - 1 ½ cups almond slices For the filling: - Honey Lemon Buttercream - Prepared Apricot jam - Chunky pear chutney - Or lemon curd 1. Combine and sift almond flour, all-purpose flour and salt. Set aside while preparing all of the other ingredients. 2. In a small sauce pan, on low heat, melt butter and stir in the milk and honey. Remove from heat and when mixture has cooled down, add the package of active dry yeast. When it has completely dissolved, allow to sit for about 5 minutes and then add and mix in the lightly beaten egg, lemon zest and grated ginger. 3. You may either do the following by hand or in a stand mixer. If completing by hand, add liquids to dry ingredients and mix until the dough comes together and all ingredients are completely incorporated. Remove dough from the bowl and knead dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Form the dough into a ball, place it into a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a tea towel or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rest and double for about 1 hour in a warm, draft free place. If completing in a stand mixer, add liquid ingredients to the bowl and slowly add flour mixture, while on low. When the dough has come together, use the dough hook and mix batter until it is smooth. Form dough into a ball, place it into a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a tea towel or plastic wrap. Allow dough to rest and double for about 1 hour in a warm, draft free place. 4. Butter and line a round cake pan with parchment paper. Gently press dough into pan. 5. To make the topping: Heat butter, sugar, honey and salt in a small saucepan. Cook on medium for about 5 minutes until mixture turns a golden colour, be careful not to burn. Remove from heat and add vanilla and almonds. Let mixture cool for about 10 minutes. 6. Cover the cake dough with the topping. Cook in a 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes. We encourage you to place a parchment lined baking sheet under the cake because as it cooks, some of the sweet topping may bubble over, leaving you with a sticky mess! 7. Let cool. 8. Cut cake horizontally in half and add either honey butter cream, apricot jam, lemon curd or pear mixture. 9. The cake may be garnished with a marzipan bee, shards of honeycomb or edible flowers.
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