From the Hive to the Jar: The Transparent Journey of Our Honey
At Honingwinkel, we believe that you can only truly enjoy honey when you know where it comes from, how it is harvested, and how it is processed. For us, honey is not just a product; it is the result of a special collaboration between nature, the bee, and the beekeeper. We are happy to take you through our process: from the hive to the glass jar in your kitchen cupboard.
The Bee Comes First
Our chain starts with beekeepers who have a heart for their colonies. We visit our beekeepers and their cooperatives regularly and are in constant contact with them. For us, one iron rule applies: first the bee and nature, then humans.
In a world where production often has the highest priority, we opt for a sustainable approach. Our beekeepers ensure that there is always enough honey left in the hive for the bees themselves. Only when the bees have a surplus does the rest come our way. This way, the colonies remain strong, healthy, and vital.
From Beehive to Jar
When the excess honey in the hives is ripe (as soon as the honey cells have been sealed by the bees with a layer of wax), it is removed from the hive. This is what we call harvesting the honey. Once harvested, the honey is transferred in buckets or barrels to the warehouse.
Subsequently, the honey is filled into jars, labeled, and stored. By keeping the entire process in-house, we can closely monitor the quality of every drop.
The Bottling Process: Pure Nature in Motion
Honey is a living product, and we notice this daily during bottling. No two days are the same, and that is due to a few fascinating factors:
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Fluidity & Moisture: Each type of honey has its own structure. The moisture content of honey typically varies between 17% and 21%, which directly affects how the honey flows.
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Temperature: The ambient temperature plays a major role; the warmer it is, the more liquid the honey becomes.
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Never above 40 degrees: To preserve all healthy enzymes and aromas, our honey is never heated above 40°C. This is crucial for the quality you expect from us.
Did you know that... even Dutch heather honey starts out liquid? Although heather honey is much thicker than other varieties, it must be liquid enough to be extracted from the combs. This honey is so thick that the honey cells even need to be 'pricked' to extract the honey properly. Only after some time does this honey also begin to crystallize, as all honey eventually does. This gives the honey its characteristic solid structure.
Honesty in Every Jar
Whether you choose a soft floral honey or a potent heather honey, you know that with Honingwinkel, you are choosing a product treated with respect for nature. No hidden additives, no excessive heating, just pure passion: cold-extracted honey in a jar.
