We have been in the honey business for quite some time and many of the questions we get about our bees and their honey involve honeycomb! What is honeycomb? Is honeycomb edible? Is it good for me? We are so happy to answer all these questions and any others as they come up, but we thought we would put together this little information piece on the magic that is honeycomb straight from the hive.
Is Honeycomb Edible?
This is usually the first (and in our opinion) the most important question people ask. The answer is, YES! It’s perfectly edible and is actually the most authentic, pure way to experience honey because humans haven’t processed or altered it in any way. Not to mention it’s delicious too. It’s truly nature’s candy!
Try pairing honeycomb with:
- Brie
- Ice cream
- A nice sharp cheese on a charcuterie board
- A spoon!
If you want some more inspiration, follow us @albertahoneybee where we share recipes!
Why is Honeycomb Shaped as a Hexagon?
We never get over the perfect hexagonal pattern of a sheet of honeycomb. No one teaches the bees this, and they don’t need to take measurements or do any kind of math to produce it. Just rows and rows of perfectly shaped hexagons! The best explanation we have for why the bees instinctively construct their honeycombs in this pattern, is that the hexagon is the most efficient use of space. There are no awkward corners left over that cannot be filled. The angles help the cells bear weight and work together as a whole. The short answer? Honeybees are smart!
Does Honeycomb Expire?
Just like honey, honeycomb has an incredibly long shelf life. You can keep it in the freezer (to prevent crystallization) and thaw it when you want to use it or keep it in the cupboard or pantry. No need to refrigerate!
Is Honeycomb Good For Me?
Honey (and honeycomb) is not only delicious, but it also has antiseptic and antibacterial properties! It was historically used as a dressing for wounds and as a first aid treatment for burns and cuts. It’s a great substitute for sugar, improves heart health, and honeycomb may also even boost liver function! We don’t know if the fact that you can chew the wax in honeycomb as a gum counts as a health tip or not (although it DOES serve as a substitute for gum sweetened with artificial sweeteners), but it’s certainly a fun tidbit!
Where Can I Buy Honeycomb?
You can purchase honeycomb online, we ship it worldwide!
If you are in the Edmonton Area, we have our honeycomb available at our farmers’ markets or we also offer delivery!
Browse our online store to see the wide range of products available for purchase.
Honeycomb is not only safe to eat… it’s a healthy, tasty, sweet treat that is actually good for you.
Be sure to follow us @albertahoneybee for recipes and all things honey related!
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