Our Story: The Sweetness of Sooke
Welcome to Ella Park Honey, nestled in the beautiful coastal community of Sooke, British Columbia. We are a small, family-run apiary fueled by a deep passion for bees, sustainable practices, and the unparalleled taste of pure, raw honey.
Our journey began on Ella Road, inspired by the lush local flora and the incredible diligence of these tiny pollinators. We believe in honey that's as close to the hive as possible – unadulterated, full of natural goodness, and reflecting the unique character of our local Sooke environment. Every jar is a testament to nature's perfection and our commitment to quality.
What Makes Raw Honey Special?
Raw honey is honey as it exists in the beehive – pure, unprocessed, and bursting with natural goodness. Unlike commercially processed honey, it's minimally filtered to remove only large debris like beeswax bits or bee parts, but it's never heated (pasteurized) or ultra-filtered.
This gentle handling ensures that all the beneficial components remain intact:
- Natural Enzymes: Crucial for digestion and overall health.
- Rich Pollen Content: Contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and can help with local allergies.
- Powerful Antioxidants: Helps protect your body from cell damage.
- Antibacterial Properties: Nature's own remedy for soothing sore throats and aiding healing.
Choosing raw honey means choosing a product that's alive with flavor and nutrients, just as the bees intended.
Our Honey: A Closer Look
Our honey is raw and real, which leads to some natural characteristics you should know about!
Crystallized Honey (Normal & Natural)
As a fun fact, raw honey crystallizes much faster than its pasteurized peers. This is a sign of high-quality, authentic honey! If you ever find your honey a bit solid, simply warm it gently in a hot water bath (not boiling) or microwave. Crystallized honey is delicious and perfectly edible just the way it is!
Fermented Honey (Needs Replacing)
Fermentation can occur if your honey is exposed to moisture—a common culprit is using a wet spoon! It will appear fluffier and carry a sour, alcoholic scent. While some people enjoy the tangy taste of mead-like fermented honey, you certainly don't have to eat it. If this happens to honey that was kept properly sealed and dry, please snap us a picture and we’ll sort out a replacement or refund for you!
More Sweet Details
Our honey has been lovingly filtered twice through a two-layer basket filter, but we keep it raw by not heating or micro-filtering it. This way, the delightful flavors and nutritional goodness from the pollen remain intact!
You might notice a little white “foam” at the top of your jar – no worries! This is just fine wax particles and air bubbles that rise to the top. It’s perfectly okay to enjoy, or you can spoon it off if that's your jam.
Our Bees & Sooke's Bounty
Our hardworking bees are primarily Italian honey bees, cherished for their gentle nature and prolific honey production. They forage freely in the diverse and vibrant landscape surrounding Ella Park in Sooke.
Depending on the season, their diet includes nectar from a rich tapestry of local flora: the sweet blossoms of wild blackberries, the tall spires of fireweed, the subtle sweetness of maple trees, and a myriad of wildflowers like clover and dandelion. This unique blend of Sooke's natural offerings gives our honey its distinctive terroir – a taste of Vancouver Island you won't find anywhere else.
Experience Ella Park Honey
Pure Raw Honey - 750ml Mason Jar
Our honey comes in 750ml wide mouth mason jars, filled by hand for that personal touch! Since they’re hand-filled, there might be some little variances in fullness. And for those curious about the lids, they can be dimpled up or down – it’s all good! What matters is that the seals and lids are fresh and ready to go.
Price: Please contact us for current pricing and availability.
Inquire About HoneyA Glimpse of Ella Park
Frequently Asked Questions
Get in Touch or Visit Us
Contact Information
Address:
7280 Ella Road
Sooke, BC V9Z 0A1
Email: ellaparkhoney@gmail.com
Got questions? We're here and happy to help! Reach out to inquire about honey availability, arrange a pickup, or just to chat about bees. Enjoy your sweet journey with Ella Park Honey! 🍯✨
Send Us a Message
Find Us in Sooke
Look for us on Ella Road – we're excited to share our honey with you!