Honey varieties are named after their primary nectar source. The different plants surrounding beehives each produce a unique flavor, resulting in distinct honey varieties that seasoned beekeepers can often distinguish, though they may still seem noticeably different to the average person’s taste buds. The nectar source that honey comes from can affect its flavor profile, mineral levels and color. 

There is a diverse selection of nectar sources that can be found in Northeast Florida. For instance, orange blossom is a lighter honey with a milder taste and hints of citrus, whereas black mangrove honey has a darker amber color and a richer, smooth flavor profile with notes of caramel and butterscotch. Black mangrove honey is limited to coastal areas. Wildflower honey is known for its floral and fruity notes and offers the most benefits for allergy relief since it comes from multiple nectar sources. Red maple honey can sometimes be described as having hints of mint. Palmetto honey, found in Crescent Beach and Palatka, has a slightly woody aroma with hints of dark plum. 

Benefits of Local Honey

Local honey in particular offers extensive benefits. Research suggests that consuming honey sourced from your area can help improve allergy symptoms. The trace amounts of local pollen in the honey can gently introduce allergens to your system and support your body’s natural defense. Beyond that, honey is packed with antioxidants that help fight free radicals, support digestion and gut health, and can even promote wound and burn healing when applied topically.

Choosing local honey doesn’t just benefit your health; it also supports small businesses and protects a vital part of our ecosystem. There are many local sources of honey in St. Johns County. Bees play a crucial role in pollinating over one-third of the food that we eat. While sometimes seen as a nuisance, bees are essential to sustaining our environment and food supply. 

Where to Find Local Honey in Northeast Florida

If you’re looking to explore local honey in Northeast Florida, there are several spots worth visiting. 

Diane’s Bees – Crescent Beach

Diane’s Bees, just off A1A, near Matanzas Inlet, is a charming local spot for honey lovers. The coastal drive alone is worth a visit. Diane keeps the bees herself and makes the honey onsite, giving visitors a more personal experience. You can even spot some of the hives next to the stand. 

Her selection includes unique flavors, such as datil pepper, a pepper native to St. Augustine, elderberry, key lime and a popular favorite: the immune-boosting blend with ginger and turmeric. In addition to honey, Diane carries lip and body balms and bee pollen, a nutrient-packed topping for yogurt bowls or salads.

Bee Hill Farm – Elkton

Bee Hill Farm is another local favorite, available at their farm in Elkton, as well as the St. Augustine Amphitheatre’s Saturday market and online. Their farm, located just a 15-minute drive from the historic district of St. Augustine, offers a pristine escape that immerses visitors in the natural beauty and charm of Elkton, with an old Florida feel. With over 100 hives scattered around St. Johns County, Bee Hill Farm offers a wide array of honey with seasonal flavors from different nectar sources, including red maple, orange blossom, and black mangrove. They also create decadent, farm-grown floral arrangements that make the perfect gift. 

Stubbees Honey + Apothecary – Downtown, St. Augustine

Stubbees Honey + Apothecary, founded by brothers Justin and Austin Stubblefield, has become a popular honey destination in downtown St. Augustine. It offers an impressive range of products, including whipped honey, raw honey, infused honey and even bourbon honey, as well as accessories and lifestyle items.  

The Honey Truck – Jacksonville Area

Master Beekeeper Danielle Brooks is the star behind The Honey Truck, named a “Best of the South Brand” by Southern Living magazine. Their honey is kept raw, never heat-treated and proudly comes from bees ethically raised in Florida. The Honey Truck has hyperlocal hives in Lincolnville, Anastasia Island, The Shores, State Road 16 and Elkton. They offer varieties like lavender- and vanilla-infused honey and always stay centered on their mission to support the stewardship of native bee populations and educate others about bees. Their award-winning honey can be purchased at several partner locations throughout St. Johns County and beyond. 

Bee Friends Farm – Jacksonville 

Bee Friends Farm is a family-run honey business that focuses on sustainable harvesting methods. Their brick-and-mortar store opened in 2021 in Murray Hill, Jacksonville, an artsy, laid-back neighborhood filled with entrepreneurial spirit and shops. In their store, they have honey produced from over 600 hives in the surrounding areas. One of their most popular varieties is the hyper-local wildflower honey, as it aids with allergy symptoms. During the spring and fall season they offer educational tours of their farm and beekeeping experiences, allowing visitors to see the bees up close. 

Supporting Your Community

No matter which local honey shop you visit, choosing locally sourced honey is a simple way to support your health, your community and the hardworking bees that keep our ecosystem thriving.