Savannah Bee Company Review: Buzzing with Quality and Sweetness
As a self-proclaimed honey enthusiast and natural skincare lover, I‘m always on the lookout for brands that deliver on quality, purity, and sustainability. That‘s why I was thrilled to discover the Savannah Bee Company, a Georgia-based brand that has been enchanting customers with its raw honey, honeycomb, and beeswax-infused products since 2002.
Founded by beekeeper Ted Dennard, the Savannah Bee Company is more than just a purveyor of sweet delights; it‘s a brand with a mission. Dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of both humans and bees, Savannah Bee Company offers a range of products that showcase the remarkable benefits of hive ingredients while supporting sustainable beekeeping practices.
In this comprehensive review, I‘ll take you on a journey through the Savannah Bee Company‘s offerings, sharing my personal experiences and insights along the way. From the luscious Tupelo Honey to the nourishing Beeswax Hand Cream, I‘ll provide an in-depth look at what makes this brand so special. So, grab a cup of tea (maybe with a drizzle of honey!) and let‘s dive in.
The Buzz on Savannah Bee Company
Before we get to the products themselves, let‘s take a moment to appreciate the story behind the Savannah Bee Company. Founder Ted Dennard‘s passion for beekeeping began at the tender age of 13, when he was mentored by an elderly beekeeper named Roy Hightower. This early introduction to the world of bees sparked a lifelong fascination with the incredible insects and the sweet, golden nectar they produce.
Fast forward to 2002, and Ted decided to transform his passion into a business, starting with a single honey shop in Savannah, Georgia. Today, the Savannah Bee Company has grown to include multiple retail locations, an online store, and a thriving wholesale business that supplies gourmet shops and natural food stores across the country.
But even as the company has expanded, Ted and his team have remained committed to their original vision: providing high-quality, sustainably sourced honey and bee products that promote health and well-being. The Savannah Bee Company partners with responsible beekeepers who prioritize the welfare of their bees and follows strict quality control measures to ensure that every product meets their exacting standards.
In addition to their commitment to quality, the Savannah Bee Company is dedicated to giving back to the community and supporting bee conservation efforts. Through their Bee Cause Project, the company has installed observation hives in over 330 schools across the US, Canada, and the Bahamas, reaching over 100,000 students annually. By educating future generations about the importance of bees and the challenges they face, the Savannah Bee Company is helping to ensure a sweeter, more sustainable future for us all.
A Taste of Honey Heaven
Now, let‘s get to the heart of the matter: the honey. Savannah Bee Company offers a stunning array of raw and varietal honeys, each with its own unique flavor profile and health benefits. As someone who has tasted my fair share of honey over the years, I can confidently say that Savannah Bee Company‘s offerings are among the best I‘ve ever encountered.
Tupelo Honey
The crown jewel of the Savannah Bee Company‘s honey collection is undoubtedly the Tupelo Honey. Sourced from the white tupelo trees that grow along the Altamaha and Apalachicola rivers in Georgia and Florida, this honey is renowned for its light amber color, delicate floral aroma, and smooth, buttery texture.
What sets Tupelo Honey apart is its high fructose content, which means it‘s slow to crystallize and retains its silky consistency for longer than other honeys. It‘s also lower on the glycemic index than other sweeteners, making it a smart choice for those watching their sugar intake.
But beyond its health benefits, Tupelo Honey is simply a delight to eat. The flavor is mild and subtly sweet, with notes of apple blossom and a clean, bright finish. It‘s fantastic drizzled over biscuits or cornbread, stirred into tea or yogurt, or savored straight from the spoon.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy Tupelo Honey is in a simple salad dressing. Whisk together equal parts honey and lemon juice, then slowly stream in extra virgin olive oil until emulsified. Toss with your favorite greens and some crumbled goat cheese for a salad that‘s both refreshing and indulgent.
Sourwood Honey
For those who prefer a honey with a bit more complexity, Savannah Bee Company‘s Sourwood Honey is a must-try. Sourced from the delicate white blossoms of the sourwood tree, this honey has a rich, amber color and a distinctive flavor profile that sets it apart from other varieties.
On the nose, Sourwood Honey has a subtle spicy aroma, with hints of cinnamon and anise. The flavor is robust and slightly tangy, with notes of caramel and a lingering woody finish. It‘s a honey that demands to be savored slowly, allowing the nuances to unfold on your tongue.
Sourwood Honey is a fantastic choice for cooking and baking, as its bold flavor can stand up to other ingredients without getting lost. Try using it in marinades for grilled meats, or as a glaze for roasted vegetables. It‘s also delicious in baked goods like spice cakes, gingerbread, or honey-wheat bread.
One of my favorite Sourwood Honey recipes is a simple glaze for baked ham. Combine equal parts honey and Dijon mustard, then brush over a spiral-cut ham during the last 30 minutes of baking. The result is a perfectly balanced combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that will have your guests coming back for seconds.
Honeycomb
For a truly unique and indulgent honey experience, look no further than Savannah Bee Company‘s Raw Honeycomb. Available in both Tupelo and Wildflower varieties, these hexagonal wonders are a testament to the incredible work of the honey bee.
Honeycomb is made up of beeswax cells that are filled with raw, unfiltered honey. The wax itself is completely edible and has a delightfully chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, liquid honey inside.
Eating honeycomb is an experience that engages all the senses. As you bite into a piece, you‘ll feel the soft, yielding texture of the wax and the burst of sweet, fragrant honey on your tongue. The flavor is intensely floral and slightly earthy, with a subtle waxy undertone that adds depth and complexity.
There are countless ways to enjoy honeycomb, but one of my favorites is to pair it with a strong, salty cheese like aged cheddar or Parmigiano-Reggiano. The contrast of sweet and savory flavors is absolutely divine, and the textures of the wax and cheese play off each other beautifully.
You can also use honeycomb as a stunning topping for desserts like ice cream, yogurt, or pound cake. Or, for a simple yet elegant appetizer, serve slices of honeycomb alongside crackers, fruit, and nuts for a DIY cheese board that‘s sure to impress.
The Buzz on Beeswax
In addition to their incredible honey offerings, Savannah Bee Company also harnesses the power of beeswax in a range of skincare and beauty products. As someone with dry, sensitive skin, I‘m always on the lookout for natural, effective solutions, and Savannah Bee Company‘s beeswax-based products have quickly become staples in my routine.
Beeswax Hand Cream
One of my absolute favorite products from Savannah Bee Company is their Beeswax Hand Cream. This rich, nourishing cream features a blend of beeswax, honey, propolis, and royal jelly, all of which work together to hydrate, soothe, and protect dry, chapped skin.
The texture of the hand cream is thick and luxurious, but it absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue. The scent is a light, natural honey fragrance that‘s never overpowering or artificial-smelling.
I keep a tube of this hand cream in my purse at all times, and I apply it throughout the day to keep my hands soft and supple. It‘s especially helpful during the colder months when dry air and frequent handwashing can leave my skin feeling tight and uncomfortable.
One of the things I love most about this hand cream is that a little goes a long way. Just a small dab is enough to cover both hands, and the hydration lasts for hours. It‘s also great for treating other dry spots like elbows, knees, and heels.
Beeswax Lip Balm
Another standout in Savannah Bee Company‘s skincare line is their Beeswax Lip Balm. Available in a range of delicious flavors like Tupelo Honey, Wild Blackberry, and Orange Blossom, these lip balms are a treat for both your lips and your senses.
The lip balms are made with just a handful of simple, natural ingredients, including beeswax, olive oil, and vitamin E. The beeswax forms a protective barrier on the lips, locking in moisture and preventing chapping, while the olive oil and vitamin E nourish and soften the delicate skin.
I keep a Savannah Bee Company lip balm in every jacket pocket, desk drawer, and bedside table, so I‘m never far from relief for dry, cracked lips. The balms have a smooth, silky texture that glides on effortlessly, and the flavors are subtle and natural-tasting.
One of my favorite things about these lip balms is that they‘re long-lasting. I can apply a coat in the morning and still feel the hydration hours later, even after eating and drinking. And because they‘re made with such clean, simple ingredients, I feel good about using them frequently throughout the day.
The Hive Mind
One of the things that sets Savannah Bee Company apart from other honey and skincare brands is their commitment to education and sustainability. The company‘s website is a wealth of information about the fascinating world of bees, and their blog features articles on everything from the history of beekeeping to the science behind honey‘s health benefits.
Did you know, for example, that a single worker bee produces just 1/12 of a teaspoon of honey in her lifetime? Or that bees are responsible for pollinating over $15 billion worth of crops in the US each year? By sharing these facts and stories, Savannah Bee Company hopes to inspire a deeper appreciation for the incredible insects that make our sweet treats possible.
But Savannah Bee Company‘s commitment to bees goes beyond education. The company is actively involved in efforts to support and protect honey bee populations, which have been in decline due to factors like habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change.
Through their Bee Cause Project, Savannah Bee Company has installed over 330 observation hives in schools across the US, Canada, and the Bahamas. These hives provide students with a unique opportunity to learn about the life cycle and behaviors of honey bees, as well as the crucial role they play in our ecosystem.
The company also partners with organizations like the Pollinator Partnership and the Bee Friendly Farming Initiative to promote sustainable agriculture practices that support honey bee health. By choosing to support Savannah Bee Company, you‘re not just getting a delicious and nourishing product – you‘re also contributing to the important work of protecting our planet‘s most precious pollinators.
The Bottom Line
So, is Savannah Bee Company worth the buzz? In my opinion, absolutely. From the quality and flavor of their raw honey to the effectiveness and sustainability of their skincare products, this brand has earned its place as a leader in the world of bee-based goods.
Of course, premium quality does come at a premium price. Savannah Bee Company‘s products are certainly more expensive than what you might find at your local grocery store. However, I believe that the extra cost is more than justified by the pure, potent ingredients, sustainable sourcing practices, and commitment to supporting bee health.
But don‘t just take my word for it. Here‘s what a few other satisfied customers have to say:
"I‘ve tried countless honey brands over the years, but Savannah Bee Company is hands-down the best. The Tupelo Honey is like liquid gold – smooth, delicate, and perfectly balanced. I use it in my tea every morning and it never fails to brighten my day." – Rachel P., Brooklyn, NY
"As someone with eczema-prone skin, I‘m always hesitant to try new skincare products. But the Beeswax Hand Cream has been a game-changer for me. It‘s one of the few products that can keep my hands hydrated and flake-free without irritating my sensitive skin. I recommend it to everyone I know." – Mark T., San Francisco, CA
"I love that Savannah Bee Company is so transparent about their sourcing and production practices. It‘s clear that they truly care about the quality of their products and the wellbeing of the bees that make them possible. I feel good about supporting a company that‘s doing so much good in the world." – Sarah K., Portland, OR
In conclusion, if you‘re looking for a honey and skincare brand that delivers on both quality and sustainability, look no further than Savannah Bee Company. From the raw, unfiltered goodness of their Tupelo Honey to the nourishing power of their Beeswax Hand Cream, this brand offers something for everyone who values health, indulgence, and the sweet life.
So go ahead, treat yourself to a taste of honey heaven. Your body (and the bees) will thank you.
