Nothing's sweeter than honey, especially for commercial honey producers who sold more than 5 million pounds of honey in 2000, ranking Michigan ninth in the nation.

The bee colonies are not only important for honey production, the bees also pollinate surrounding fruit trees while gathering nectar. The color of honey is a good indicator of how it will taste. The lighter the honey, the milder the flavor, and the darker the honey, the stronger the flavor.

Honey naturally crystallizes during storage, and in order to re-liquefy it, place the container into a pan of warm (not hot) water and let it remain until it clarifies. Store honey in an airtight container at room temperature.

For more information about Michigan honey and the beekeeping industry, contact:

Michigan Beekeepers Association