We offer many local southern appalachian varietal honeys from colonies managed without the use of hard chemical pest control agents. We use natural essential oils, integrated pest management techniques, and are very attentive to our bees needs. All of our hives are located in rural mountain areas far removed from large scale commercial agriculture thus reducing the likelihood of exposure to harmful chemicals and pesticides. Also, most of the varietals we offer are collected by the bees directly from various wild native tree species, thus further reducing exposure.
The three primary honey flows in spring occur from early May through early June and include black locust, tulip poplar, and bramble blooms such as blackberry and raspberry.
If the weather, bloom timing, and harvest timing all come together these varieties can be separated and bottled as distinctly different honeys. However, many years this does not work out and the spring crop will be a blend of these primary honey plants.
Later in June and early July basswood, or lin, and sourwood bloom. These are typically harvested in late July and August and are highly prized for their distinct flavors.
In the late summer on into fall the bees focus on the goldenrod and aster species. These honeys, especially aster varieties, are high in dextrose and crystalize very quickly. At this time of year we hope the bees can load the combs to carry the hive through winter so we rarely harvest these.
There are literally hundreds more varieties of plants both wild and cultivated which the bees will work for both pollen and nectar. The ones mentioned above are our primary "honey flows" of the southern appalachians.
You can find our honey and bee products at the locations below, we can ship, or you can come out and pick up here at our store.
Asheville area: The Downtown Market on S. French Broad at Green Jade Herbal, Stacie's in Weaverville, Good Stuff in Marshall, Madison County NC Cooperative Ext. Office off of Hwy. 25/70, The Asheville City Market (every other Saturday beginning mid-June), and ocassionally at the North Asheville Tailgate Market, and MarsHill tailgate markets. Feel free to call or email to find out when and where we will be at the tailgate markets or for retailer/wholesale inquiries.
Bee Pollen: Fresh frozen, still soft and moist, not dry, crunchy, and bitter. Must be kept refridgerated or frozen. May be consumed at your own risk (allergies) or used as supplemental bee feed. I have many regular customers who claim that this is the best bee pollen they have ever tasted. Pollen variety and availability varies from April through September.
$2.00 per ounce or $30 per pound
all rights reserved 2010 Wild Mountain Apiaries and Beekeeping Supply 875 Will Arrington Road, Marshall, NC 28753 828.689.4095 wildmountainbees_yahoo.com
