Beekeeper's Naturals Wholesale - Blog 2018-12-18T13:31:00-05:00 Beekeeper's Naturals Wholesale 2018-12-18T13:31:00-05:00 2018-12-21T17:03:05-05:00 These Holiday Recipes Are So Good—and 100% Hive-Approved! Jordyn Cormier One of the most important pillars of winter wellness is staying mindful of your refined sugar and processed food intake. But around the holidays, avoiding all those yummy classic treats can feel like a major buzzkill. (Seriously, what would the holiday festivities be without sugar cookies and egg nog? Pretty blah.)    

We don't think you should have to give up on your wonderful holiday traditions in the name of greater wellness—you deserve to indulge without sacrificing your dietary values. That's why we headed into the BKN kitchen and came up with a collection of hive-inspired recipes to help you stay healthy while *fully indulging* in the festivities.

All of these wholesome recipes are gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, naturally sweetened—and taste absolutely incredible! You can check them all out in our free recipe book download, but in the meantime, here are a couple of our favorites...    

Beegan Sugar Cookies with Cashew Frosting

gluten free, paleo, dairy free

No refined sugar. No gluten. No eggs or dairy. What’s actually inside? Sweet holiday goodness. If you make only one sugar cookie this year, make it this. And definitely don’t skip out on the raw honey and cashew butter frosting. (Yes, you totally should lick the bowl.)         


… for the cookies…
1 cup gluten free baking flour
½ cup coconut flour
¼ cup Sweet Clover Honey
2 Tbsp coconut butter, gently melted
1 Tbsp coconut sugar
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda 
...for the frosting…  
1/3 cup raw cashew butter
1-2 Tbsp Sweet Clover Honey
1-2 Tbsp non-dairy milk
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)  


  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  2. Combine all cookie ingredients in a medium bowl and stir until a dough begins to form. Season with salt to taste, add an extra tablespoon of honey if needed, and refrigerate for 15 minutes to chill.  
  3. Remove dough from the fridge and roll out on a lightly floured surface until dough is about ½ inch thick.
  4. Cut into shapes with your favorite cookie cutter and place on the baking tray, with cookies spaced at least 2 inches apart. Combine the scraps, roll out again, and cut into additional shapes until all the dough is used up.
  5. Bake for 7-10 minutes or until lightly golden (less time for a slightly chewier cookie). Place on a baking rack to cool.
  6. While the cookies cool, combine frosting ingredients in a small bowl. Add more milk or honey as needed, or a pinch of sea salt if desired.  
  7. Frost the cookies, sprinkle with your favorite toppings, and enjoy!

*decorating ideas*  

For our holidays in the hive, we love decorating our cookies 3 different ways:

  • Deck the Hive—frost cookies and sprinkle with our golden Bee Pollen
  • Beehive Gold—blend frosting with a small spoonful of turmeric powder for a splash of vivid yellow   
  • Snow Dreams—frost the cookies extra thick and top with unsweetened shredded coconut       

Honey Pumpkin Spiced Eggnog

gluten free, paleo, dairy free

Eggnog is usually loaded with refined sugars and packed to the brim with calories, but we knew there had to be a better way. Light, frothy, and naturally sweetened, this pumpkin spiced eggnog is a holiday indulgence you won’t regret in the morning.    


2 cups dairy free milk
2 egg whites
1/4 cup Wildflower Honey
2 Tbsp pumpkin puree
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp pumpkin spice
a pinch of cinnamon

* Optional Toppings: whipped coconut cream, shredded coconut, bee pollen, cinnamon  


  1. Add all ingredients to a blender. Blend on medium speed until combined.
  2. Transfer the mixture to a small saucepan. Cook over medium low heat until it starts to thicken. Stir occasionally, about 10-15 minutes.
  3. Gently pour into large mugs, add your favorite toppings, sip, and enjoy!

Drooling already? Download the rest of the recipes in our 2018 winter recipe collection right here to get your celebrations off to the right start! 

]]> 2018-12-10T14:26:00-05:00 2018-12-21T17:03:06-05:00 2018 BKN Holiday Gift Guide Jordyn Cormier Still looking for an amazing gift for that special someone this holiday season? Look no further than the hive! We’ve got something sweet for everyone on your list. 

Got your list out? Here we go…                

For the honey obsessed → Liquid Gold  

Four delicious jars of our signature enzymatic raw honey, four tasty varietals: Sweet Clover, Wildflower, Raspberry Blossom, and Buckwheat. Perfect for the Pooh Bear in your life.   

For the busy bee → B.Chill Hemp Honey Sticks

Know someone who just can’t stop buzzing? Give them the gift of on-the-go bliss with a 5 or 10 pack of B.Chill Sticks. These hemp oil infused honey sticks are just the thing to help take the edge off.   

(Maybe treat yourself to a few, too. You know, to get through the holiday madness.)   

For the non-stop hustler → Beegan Pharmacy     

B.Powered, B.LXR Brain Fuel, and two precious bottles of Propolis Spray—for the go-getter in your life who is always pushing to perform at 110%. From productivity to energy to immunity, this is the hive support they need to keep crushin’ it day after day.     

For your sweetie → Superfood Cacao Honey   

There’s never a bad time for chocolate. This holiday season, give the chocolate lover in your life the sweet cacao goodness they’ve been dreaming of: pure raw Ecuadorian cacao blended with nourishing raw honey—perfect for dipping on raw fruit, spreading on toasting, or licking right off the spoon.   

For the foodie → Creative Kitchen Essentials

Bee Pollen, Wildflower Honey, and Superfood Cacao Honey—three kitchen essentials sure to inspire your creative foodie to culinary greatness. From energizing brownie bites to frame-worthy smoothie bowls, these are game-changing secret ingredients.      

(Better call dibs on taste testing!) 

For the connoisseur →  Honey Flight  

Have a friend or family member who loves single origin coffees, obsesses over wine or craft beer tastings, and even owns a flavor bible? Introduce them to the wild world of varietal honeys with our Honey Flight, so they can taste and experience the full spectrum of sweet golden glory.         

For the weekend warrior → Active Essentials

B.Powered, Bee Pollen, and Propolis Spray—an athlete's dream support team! This is everything your loved one needs to train for, perform, and recover from a marathon endeavor, whether it’s climbing Kilimanjaro, running the NYC Marathon, or dominating their weekly spin class.        

For every wellness lover → Holiday Gift Set      

This Holiday Gift Set has a little something for everyone on your list—plenty of Propolis Spray for all your loved ones, a 5 pack of B.Chill Sticks for your busy bee, and a Honey Flight for the foodie in your life. Consider your holiday shopping done.  

For the serious bee lover →  No Honey Mo Problems hat

Hats are awesome. Bees are awesome. What’s not to love about a Save the Bees hat? It’s a stylish way for the bee lover in your life to rep the cause.      

Bonus: You can feel good knowing we donate 10% of the profits from our apparel line to support bee research!    

Bonus stocking stuffer → Propolis Spray   

Give the gift of bulletproof immunity. ‘Tis the season for Propolis Spray, so why not stuff a couple bottles into everyone’s stocking? And don’t forget, moms with little ones will especially love our Propolis Throat Spray for Kids.      

]]> 2018-11-27T15:08:00-05:00 2018-12-21T17:03:04-05:00 Microbiome 101 Jordyn Cormier Ever wonder how your body tackles digesting a big feast—like that big, indulgent holiday dinner you recently enjoyed? Well, it actually has some very important little helpers—our gut bacteria.      

We wouldn't be able to enjoy all the foods we do without our resident bacteria. Our immune systems wouldn't be as strong. We wouldn't absorb nearly as many nutrients from what we eat. Even our moods might destabilize. Our bacterial flora are as integral to health as our very own cells. In fact, only 10 percent of the cells in our bodies are actually human. The other 90 percent is comprised of the some 100 trillion organisms we've come to know as our microbiome.       

Okay, so what is the microbiome? 

We are actually complex super-organisms, much like a bee colony, with trillions of different microorganisms calling the human body home. In fact, if you were to weigh the entire microbiome, it might clock in at as much as 5 pounds—that’s a lot of tiny little critters!       

And while the microbiome is usually associated with the gut, these little critters inhabit nearly every part of our body—skin, mouth, nose, eyes, our private parts—and the vast majority of them are absolutely integral to our health.    

Wondering how much your microbiome runs the show? These symbiotic critters play a huge role in determining the health of our immune system, our weight, our moods, and even how well we digest our food. Having the proper balance of good bacteria in our gut (and beyond) is paramount to achieving good health.   

Wait—so bacteria so actually good for us?   

You bet. While some bacteria is harmful—we’re looking at you Streptococcus pyogenes—there are thousands and thousands of microbial species that actually work with our natural system to improve our health. 

Some of the bacteria the average person houses includes Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, Clostridium, Escherichia, Streptococcus, and Ruminococcus. But your unique biome fingerprint is entirely dependent on your diet and lifestyle. Stress, poor diet, antibiotic use, and too little outdoors time depletes your beneficial bacteria, leaving a vacancy for their nastier cousins to move in—that's when we get sick and unhealthy. But most of the time, when you're in balance, all these critters coexist happily, paying their way by providing crucial services to the human body.                

In fact, your microbiota actually have a powerful influence over the nutritional value of the foods you eat. Without the help of microorganisms, humans don’t possess the necessary enzymes to break down many of the complex nutrients we consume. But the bacteria that line our guts do, and they break down complex nutrients for us so we can absorb all their goodness, making good bacteria crucial to the digestion process. They even produce B vitamins and vitamin K for us!  

And yes, when your gut bacteria do go out of whack, your digestion and nutrient absorption suffers—even without much of a shift in your diet. That's where inflammatory conditions like leaky gut and IBS can come into play.  

So what’s the secret to a happy, healthy microbiome?

1. Prioritize probiotics. While popping a quality supplement is a good start, it’s important to make probiotic-rich foods a standard part of your diet to ensure your healthiest inner ecosystem. And probiotics aren't just for your digestion. There is major a trend towards probiotic skincare to rebalance the colonies that live on our skin—which hopefully can help ward off inflammation like acne and restore microbial balance.         

2. Don’t forget about prebiotics. Good bacteria thrive on certain foods, so it's kind of a no brainer to eat more of those. Some great prebiotics include tigernuts, flaxseeds, dandelion greens, garlic, oats, apples, raw cacao and, of course, raw honeyAnd it’s probably a good idea to limit the foods that bad bacteria feed on—namely, refined sugar.  

3. Get outside more often. Get outside and roll in the dirt. Play with a dog. Hug a tree. It’s hugely beneficial to expose yourself to a diverse array of bacteria to ensure you have a strong and stable microbiome. The more good bacteria you encounter, the healthier you'll be. 

So, next time you enjoy a big meal, thank your gut bacteria for doing their thing. It'd be pretty hard to stay healthy and nourished without them.    

]]> 2018-10-31T10:29:00-04:00 2018-12-21T17:03:06-05:00 Skip the Candy Hangover This Halloween with These Hive-Approved Treats Jordyn Cormier Who among us hasn’t dipped a little too heavy handedly into the trick or treater’s bowl around October 31st? It's tradition, right?

But, much like the bratty, voracious children in Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, a Halloween candy binge usually doesn’t end too well as an adult. Waking up on November 1st feeling like a bloated Augustus Gloop or a blueberrified Violet Beauregarde is no one’s idea of Halloween success.        

Conventional candy comes with a lot of junk, including an overdose of highly addictive, super sweet refined sugar. It's just not healthy. (Yes, a candy hangover is real.) But just because you’re a grown up and you care about your wellness doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy something sweet and indulgent on the spookiest evening of the year.  

Join us in ditching the candy hangover this year. Grab a costume and enjoy your grown up Halloween in sweet style with these 4 hive-approved sweet treats…   

Hive-Inspired Hot Cocoa  

Now that you’re older, Halloween means one of three things: going out to a costume party, taking the kiddos trick or treating, or snuggling in at home. If you’re planning on nestling in on your couch with a movie this year, don’t just sit there munching on a family-sized bag of mini snickers. Treat yourself to something a little more indulgent that will help you really bliss out and enjoy the night in.  

We’re talking about a B.Chill Hot Cocoa. All it takes is a teaspoon of B.Chill, a heaping spoonful of cacao powder, warm nut milk, a pinch of salt, and a spoonful of antioxidant-rich Superfood Cacao Honey. Whisk together, pour into your favorite mug, and bask in the chill chocolatey glory. Who needs candy, anyway?         

Hu Chocolate

Dark Chocolate   

Looking for something little more classic? You can never go wrong with dark chocolate. Low in sugar but rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and even fiber, super dark chocolate is a treat that any wellness warrior can get behind.    

Not sure where to start? We’re big fans of Hu Kitchen here in the hive! Their bars are pure Paleo chocolate, sweetened only with a touch of low glycemic coconut sugar. We cannot get enough of the Cashew Butter + Vanilla Bean Dark Chocolate bar—not just at Halloween, but all year round!      

Grown Up Peanut Butter Cups  

It never hurts to find yourself some clean dark chocolate peanut butter cups to munch on at parties or at home. The protein in the peanut butter actually helps to slow the absorption of sugar in the body, making peanut butter cups the smartest choice of all the popular candies. Look to brands like Justin’s, Newman’s Own, and Unreal Candy for cleaner, less sugary options. Of course, you could also make your own incredible peanut butter cups at home pretty easily...   

All you need is some unsweetened chocolate, peanut butter, raw honey, flake salt, and some muffin tins. Here’s what you do: 

  1. Gently melt the chocolate and spoon a tablespoon into the bottom of a muffin tin. Spread around so a thin layer gets on the entire bottom and a little way up the sides.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix the peanut butter with a little honey, to taste. (This mixture should very slightly on the sweeter side, since it will be encased in unsweetened chocolate.)
  3. Add a flattened spoonful of nut butter mixture into the muffin tin, and pour a thin layer of chocolate on top to cover it. 
  4. Sprinkle with flake salt and pop into the fridge or freezer.
  5. Repeat until out of ingredients!     

To serve, drizzle a couple cups with more honey and bee pollen, and dig in to the sticky goodness!    

B.Chill Sticks    

Heading out trick or treating with the little ones this year? Chill out from the madness with your own sweet on-the-go treat—a B.Chill stick. Maybe you won’t totally bliss out if you’re standing in the middle of hoards of ravenous, young sugar zombies, but it might help take the edge off. Plus, it’s a sweet treat you can feel good about enjoying.    

Just because it is Halloween doesn't mean you have to make yourself sick with candy. Give yourself cleaner options so you can enjoy a little sweetness and still wake up the next morning feeling great! 

]]> 2018-09-11T06:00:00-04:00 2018-12-21T17:03:05-05:00 What the BUCK is Buckwheat Honey?! Danny Clark When you think of honey varietals, what do you think of? Maybe sweet clover? Wildflower? Apple or raspberry blossom? Manuka? Whatever comes to mind, odds are, you probably don’t really think about buckwheat. In fact, what the BUCK is buckwheat, anyways?    

Buckwheat: the grain, the myth, the legend.

Seriously, is it even a grain? Nope. It's not a cereal grain and is actually not related to wheat at all. In fact, buckwheat is actually a fruit seed—in the same family as rhubarb, knotweed, and sorrel. Isn't that crazy? But because buckwheat has such grainy characteristics, it is considered a pseudo-grain—which is why its earthy flavor is so prized in healthy, gluten-free, and grain-sensitive baking.         Of course, since buckwheat isn’t actually a grain, it actually bursts into fields of blossoms full of yummy nectar, perfect for bees. And that’s where this unique honey comes in.      Buckwheat honey is usually a deep, rich purplish brown color and has a robust, earthy backbone to its sweetness. In baking, this single varietal honey is ideal for adding depth and dimension to hearty breads and bakes. But that’s not all it’s good for.     

This honey is seriously North America’s manuka.

When it comes to antioxidants, this honey is royalty. Buckwheat honey actually has one of the highest antioxidant counts of any honey on the planet! And we're not talking trace antioxidants. According to honey researcher May Berenbaum, "The antioxidant content of buckwheat honey compares favorably, pretty much bite for bite, with the ascorbic acid-related antioxidant content of tomatoes." It's real deal doses.        And in terms of germ-fighting activity, the powers of this rich honey are as impressive as those of manuka, the darling of the honey scene. (Seriously, check out the research here. They totally go toe-to-toe!) And like manuka, antioxidant-rich buckwheat honey powerfully soothes the skin and helps cuts and scrapes heal and stay clean. But this superfood medicinal honey has got a major step up on manuka—buckwheat grows right here in North America, so you're supporting local bees when you dig into a jarful!  

Take that, NyQuil!

Okay, let's rewind back a little to the medicinal properties of this sweet sauce, because it is actually being studied as real medicine. According to a groundbreaking study published in JAMA, a single dose of buckwheat honey at bedtime was able to suppress coughing and improve sleep in sick children significantly *better* than honey-flavored dextromethorphan (the active ingredient in many OTC cough meds).         In the study, over 100 children with respiratory tract infections were given either a dose of honey-flavored dextromethorphan, a dose of buckwheat honey, or nothing. The buckwheat honey consistently scored the best among the three treatments for suppressing cough frequency, decreasing cough severity, and improving sleep quality. A spoonful of honey literally outperformed cough syrup! Seriously, what are you waiting for?  Try out this unique honey for yourself and harness a little bit more of that hive power! ]]> 2018-09-04T08:19:00-04:00 2018-12-21T17:03:06-05:00 The Nasty Ingredients in Your Medicine Cabinet + 6 Legit Natural Alternatives Danny Clark When you're sick, all anybody really wants is a little relief. Odds are, if you open your medicine cabinet right now, there is at least one bottle of neon-colored cough syrup—or maybe a pack of candy-like cough drops—or some other OTC special sauce to ease the head-pounding discomfort of an unwelcome virus. (And let's be real, they're all probably expired, but that's beside the point.)  The irony is, you're probably really careful about what you put in your body in terms of food, but have you ever actually considered what's in your medicine? Those hyper-sweet flavors and neon colors definitely aren't natural, and they might actually slow down healing. Why? Because these meds are full of nasties.     

1. Sugar, sugar, everywhere.

Let’s look at sugar, for example. The incredible quantity of sugar in OTC cough syrups and drops is astounding. And counterproductive. Consuming a lot of sugar when you’re feeling under the weather actually works to weaken your immune system—so it’ll just take you longer to heal. And what’s even worse is that a lot of the sugar in these formulas comes from high-fructose corn syrup—practically the embodiment of liquid inflammation. That cough drop doesn’t seem so soothing anymore, does it? Sure, you’re not taking much of it, but medicines should be filled with ingredients that HEAL you—not cheap, unhealthy sweeteners.         

2. Unnecessary fillers can still cause side effects.

Then there are those inactive additives that act as filler ingredients. The problem is, these can still cause unpleasant side effects, so they provide no real support—only more problems.  Take sorbitol, for example. This sugar alcohol is actually used as the active ingredient in laxatives. But it is also a common filler ingredient in many cough syrups and antacids. The problem is that laxative effect doesn't just disappear—it becomes an undesired side effect alongside your cough of tummy discomfort.  Sorbitol is incredibly difficult for most people to digest and can lead to bloating, excessive flatulence, and diarrhea. That's definitely not what you want when you're fighting off a bug. And it's even worse for those suffering from inflammatory bowel conditions like IBS. Does this really belong in our medicine?     

3. Since when did endocrine disruptors help fight viruses?

One more thing. Your cough syrup may contain hormone-disrupting parabens—like methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, or ethylparaben. You know, the chemicals you avoid like the plague in your shampoos, body lotions, and even toothpaste.      Commonly used as a preservative in personal care products, parabens are xenoestrogens, meaning they have the ability to mimic estrogen in the body. With a weak estrogenic effect, it's no wonder why they throw the body's hormonal balance for a loop. Potentially carcinogenic, many researchers and organizations have massive concerns about the health and safety of parabens, so until more conclusive research is conducted it's probably best to avoid them. And that means avoiding many formulations of cough syrup. Seriously, gross. 

Instead, heal naturally with these legit alternatives... 

Modern medicine is really miraculous for some things, but Mother Nature has totally got your sniffles covered. No chemicals, no added sugars, no potential carcinogens. Just clean, powerful foods that keep you out of bed and feeling great. Here are a few of our favs...  


Study after study has shown that elderberry syrup is a powerful ally against viruses. Used traditionally for thousands of years, it is renown for its antiviral properties and rich antioxidant content. In fact, one study demonstrated that supplementation with elderberry helps to shorten the duration of the influenza virus by 2 days and significantly decreases severity, in comparison to a placebo. It's nature's super powerful version of cough syrup.            

Oregano oil.  

Did you know this common herb actually has potent sniffle-fighting properties? The volatile oil compounds in oregano oil have been used for thousands of years for their antiviral and respiratory-supportive powers. And there's real science behind it. One study showed that a spray containing oregano oil temporarily improved throat symptoms in those with respiratory tract infections significantly more than a placebo. A 2017 study found that oregano oil has strong antioxidant properties as well. It's super powerful, so make sure you keep crushing your hydration game and always dilute it in water.           


We’re trying to be impartial, but this one’s definitely our fav! Super rich in free radical-busting antioxidants along with hundreds of other beneficial compounds, propolis is our secret to staying healthy. Studies have shown that propolis has truly astounding antiviral and germ-fighting properties that rival many pharmaceutical compounds. When used on the regular, it lends the immune system a powerful hand while crushing swelling and inflammation. No bathroom cabinet is complete without it.    

Raw honey.

Actually, we’re pretty big on this one, too. Raw honey possesses natural antiviral properties that can support the immune system. It also has been shown in studies to help coughing children sleep even better than OTC cough medicine! Buckwheat honey is the ideal choice for immune support, as it has the highest concentration of antioxidants of any honey. And it’s absolutely divine when stirred in to some soothing turmeric-ginger tea—speaking of which…  


We all know that turmeric is super anti-inflammatory. In fact, it’s commonly recommended to those suffering with arthritic inflammation to ease discomfort and swelling. But did you also know that is has antiviral properties and is bursting with healing antioxidants? It is best to consume turmeric with a bit of black pepper to improve the bioavailability of its active beneficial compounds.    Ginger is also a pro at reducing swelling, soothing the stomach, and relieving feelings of nausea. This spicy root has been used for hundreds of years as a natural remedy, so feel free to load up your tea with it to decongest the head and settle the stomach.      


According to a study in the British Journal of Nutrition, supplementing with probiotics can cut the length of a cold by 2 days and significantly decrease the severity of symptoms (by about 34%). Healthy gut bacteria are the key to balancing your moods, promoting healthy weight, and empowering your immune system. Don’t underestimate how significant these little critters are towards your overall health. They are practically living medicine.      Now is the time to stock up on your natural healing essentials. The sniffle-y season is coming fast, so it doesn’t hurt to #BeePrepared.     ]]> 2018-07-09T18:14:00-04:00 2018-12-21T17:03:05-05:00 The A, B, Cs of Adaptogenic Herbs Danny Clark Right now, adaptogenic herbs are creating quite a buzz in the wellness world. They are showing up everywhere, from juice bars to crystal-packed Instagram feeds to alchemical wellness cookbooks. But if you’re looking to slap some money down and get in on the healing herbal action, the options can become pretty overwhelming—especially if you are not familiar with what these herbs can actually do.             So, rather than just randomly adding spoonfuls of expensive magic dust into your DIY smoothie potions, let's clear things up a little. First things first: What's an adaptogen, anyway?             Refreshingly, adaptogens actually have a fairly straightforward definition. In order for something to be considered an adaptogen, it must be a substance that is safe and nontoxic, reduces the body's stress response, and supports the body in promoting overall balance. Pretty simple. Even better, most adaptogens work synergistically, meaning you can combine a few adaptogens to pack an even more potent punch.                   So which adaptogenic herbs are right for you? Here’s a rundown on the real science behind some of the most popular herbs you’ve always been curious about…     


If you're trying to reduce stress and anxiety, ashwagandha has your back. But it's not just a stress-buster. This Ayurvedic herb is purported to support the immune system, improve thyroid function and stamina, support healthy libido and fertility, and balance blood sugar levels. Studies on ashwagandha have shown that it promotes healthy cognition, especially in those suffering from neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which are especially beneficial to those suffering from arthritis. As one of the big shots in Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha is truly an all-purpose healer. Sure, the taste isn't great—it's very deep and earthy—but that's what ugly, kitchen sink smoothies are for! 

He shou wu   

Also known as Fo-ti, He Shou Wu has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as an effective hair rejuvenator, sexual health tonic, and blood oxygenator. Most commonly known for its anti-aging properties, one study showed that this root can help prevent and heal DNA damage, making it potentially therapeutic in treating Alzheimer’s, cancers, high cholesterol, and other inflammatory diseases. If you struggle with hair loss, low libido, inflamed skin conditions, or are trying to thwart the age-related deterioration, inflammation, and general disease, this is the powder to invest in.                          


Famous for strengthening immune response, this root is able to powerfully activate T cells (a type of white blood cell) even more than echinacea. Astragalus also improves metabolism, skin health, and overall energy levels while being strongly anti-inflammatory. (It actually reduces c-reactive protein, a major marker of inflammation in the body.) But it may also hold the key to graceful aging. Astragalus is one of few natural substances that helps to increase cell life by lengthening telomeres. Some believe that telomere length is the key to longevity and a more gradual aging process. A more powerful immune system, less inflammation, and anti-aging properties? Warm up our blender!       


This smoothie classic contains a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Also known as “Miracle Leaf”, energizing moringa is rich in antioxidant flavonoids that fight off day-to-day free radical damage. It is best known for its anti-tumor, antibacterial, anti-fungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antihypertensive properties. Studies have shown that regular consumption of moringa can specifically help balance blood sugar and cholesterol levels, but it is a fantastic all-around health tonic. Even better, moringa has no known interactions or side effects, so make room for another superfood powder in your pantry!             


If you frequent a Bulletproof Coffee shop, you may have had this in your creamy java. In Ayurvedic medicine, rhodiola is commonly used to treat mental ailments such as anxiety, stress, depression, and lack of focus. It actually works to boost serotonin levels and is potentially useful in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Also known for its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, rhodiola is incredibly energizing. A recent study showed that cyclists who consumed rhodiola before a race were significantly faster than the placebo group and had lower heart rates post warm-up. Cosmonauts even enjoyed rhodiola to improve both mood and endurance on the Russian Space Station! That's right. Adaptogens. In. Space!         


This skin-boosting superstar is making an appearance at some of the most acclaimed juice and wellness bars around. An incredibly rich source of fat soluble vitamin E, most tocos (short for tocotrienols) are derived from brown rice bran. The crumbly powder—which is said to taste like astronaut ice cream—excels at supporting healthy muscles, connective tissue, and skin. Even better, when added to porridges and drinks, it acts as a creamy thickener—almost like a super nourishing non-dairy creamer. And while vitamin E in general is a powerful antioxidant, tocos have been shown to excel at hydrating the skin and connective tissue. Tocos is fantastic in bulletproof coffees, oatmeal, smoothies, and juices (some forms of tocos may be delicate and heat-sensitive, so only stir in to foods that are eating-temperature—below 160 degrees F or 70 degrees C). For a luxurious skin treat, we’re big fans of combining tocos with our antioxidant rich buckwheat honey to make a re-hydrating and anti-inflammatory face mask. Whether you're healing a connective tissue injury or you're cultivating a clearer complexion, get ready to glow.   There are loads more adaptogenic herbs out there, but now you've got a few of the most popular ones under your belt. Now go hit the tonic bar with a little more confidence and reap the healthy benefits!                   *IMPORTANT: This article is meant for educational purposes only. Some adaptogenic herbs are very powerful and can interact with certain conditions and prescription medications, including antidepressants, birth control pills, and diabetes and thyroid medications. Those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or preparing for surgery should also exert caution. Always consult your doctor or trusted professional before starting on a new herbal regimen.             ]]> 2018-06-18T19:00:00-04:00 2018-12-21T17:03:05-05:00 Propolis Is Pretty Much Nature's Bee-osporin Danny Clark Why take a trip to the regular pharmacy when you can visit the beegan pharmacy? Bee products are so healing and effective, they totally deserve a few spots in your medicine cabinet. Especially propolis, which is kind of like nature's all-purpose healer.      A little memory booster on propolis: Propolis is a healing resin collected from plant matter and used by bees to line their hive walls. There, it acts as an unstoppable barrier against foreign invaders like bacteria, fungus, microbes, and viruses. And yes, we regularly refer to it as the immune system of the hive—because seriously, it is.                      If you’re a fan of our Propolis Throat Spray, you’re probably already aware of how effectively propolis thwarts infections and boosts the body’s overall resilience. But did you know that that power actually applies to topical ailments, too? Yep, propolis is pretty much a natural version of that antibiotic ointment we all grew up with, minus the not-so healing petroleum base—yuck! Here are a handful of powerful ways that propolis supports topical healing…                   

Propolis is almost superhuman in burn healing.

Burn wounds are no match for propolis. Not only is propolis known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, but it is also said to be powerfully regenerative. According to research, like this review published in BMC: Burns and Trauma, propolis has the ability to drastically speed up the skin’s healing process. We're talking literally regenerating skin cells! So next time you get scorched by the biscuit pan, spritz on a little propolis for a some antibacterial and skin regenerative support!       

It helps to heal up boo-boos, too.  

For your average scraped up knee, propolis makes the perfect companion to the new box of ninja bandages in your first aid kit. Historically, ancient Greeks and Egyptians used propolis as an antiseptic for wounds, long before modern antibacterials hit the market. Modern day studies have shown that propolis indeed does have antiseptic properties when applied to wounds—and it even speeds up the healing process! By spraying propolis on a scrape or small cut, it can actually help fight off infections—much in the same way it does in the hive. Just pop a fun bandage on and you're good to go!     

It even works as a killer anti-fungal.    

In the warm and dark hive, propolis is crucial for protecting from fungal infections. Good news for us, it appears to function similarly in the human body. Studies on candida overgrowth have shown that propolis is an exceptional destroyer of yeast cells. Plus, it doesn't come with all the unpleasant side effects that usually accompany non-natural pharmaceutical anti-fungals.  Propolis has so many incredible medicinal uses. That's why we always keep some propolis on hand—in our kitchens, on our bedside tables, and in our first-aid kits. Propolis can do wonders for boosting your body’s natural resilience—both inside and out.          ]]> 2018-03-20T08:00:00-04:00 2018-12-21T17:03:05-05:00 Bee Pollen: The Secret Super Powers That You Never Knew About (Until Now) Danny Clark pollen? Alright, alright, so it might not be your favorite bee invention yet (We get it—hay fever is not a strong selling point), but keep reading, and you'll be down to add a sprinkle of bee pollen to all your favorites (including your smoothie bowl). If you don't believe us, just take a look at history. The use of bee pollen has been recorded on medical records dating back to 2735 BCE. Luminaries and celebrities alike have lauded the ingredient for its nutraceutical qualities. In fact, getting a daily serving is the only ritual that Hippocrates, Gold Medal Olympic athletes, and Victoria Beckham all share in common.

What even is pollen?

You'll be seeing pollen on the daily pretty soon, but do you actually know what it is? This powder-like substance carries the male reproductive cells of seed plants. Bees collect golden pollen and carry it back to the hive, mix it with other enzymes, and create their primary food source: bee bread. Without pollen, honeybees wouldn't have the essential proteins they need to stay alive. And it's not just good for them, it's super nutritious for you too! Keep reading to learn all the superfood powers of bee pollen that you don't want to pass on.

It boosts your immunity

It might seem counterintuitive that this allergen actually protects your immune system, but it does. A 2008 study conducted in Japan studied how bee pollen interacted with mast cells—which play a huge part in many allergic diseases. Scientists found that bee pollen possesses an anti-allergenic that actually hinders the activation of these cells during early and late phases of allergic reactions.

It's a major stress-buster

Stress eating is never a good idea (#beenthere), so if you're jonesing for a natural way to quell your anxiety, look no further than bee pollen. This superfood stimulates blood flow to your nervous tissues, boosting your brain power and overall nervous system.

It protects your liver against toxicity

The anti-inflammatory quality of bee pollen also makes it a killer tool for keeping your liver in tip-top shape. A 2013 study examined the benefits of consuming two different types of pollen in rats with induced liver damage. Both treatments reversed liver damage in the little guys.

It revs up your metabolism

Each grian of pollen packs the significant ability to regulate both hormones and metabolism. The superfood contains amino acids that dissolve fat cells in the body and heighten metabolic activity. So enjoy your daily teaspoon right before or right after a workout to keep your digestion and energy on track for the whole day.]]> 2017-12-20T16:08:00-05:00 2018-12-21T17:03:05-05:00 In The News: December Edition Danny Clark Psychedelic 'Bee Vision' A recent has found flowers have certain heat patterns, with varying temperatures across petals. The patterns act like 'sensory signposts' to attract the bees.n a study led by the University of Edinburgh, researchers discovered the neurons that detect speed and direction to help guide bees home. Special neurons are located in the central complex part of the bee’s brain plays a pivotal role in controlling the navigation system. This is also- known as the path integration or 'dead reckoning', used by many living beings. Not So Sweet Friends In a recent viral video, a wasp attacks and kills, to put lightly, a honey bee. The video is just one of many examples of how wasps are a constant danger and struggle for beekeepers and their bees. Uncommon Relatives While you may think bees and hummingbirds were very different, it seems scientist beg to differ. In fact, scientists have been studying bees to learn more about hummingbirds and their foraging patterns. Known as optimal foraging, looks at how animals learn about their environment. While bees and hummingbirds differ in many ways, they both pay attention to their environment in similar ways. Both can remember locations of flowers and feeders, and both return to foraging from the same area day after day. The Limit Does Exist Even with the immense amount of research, the Canadian Government has decided to not ban bee killing pesticides. The neonicotinoids that have been proven to kill important insects from worms to our friends the bees, is no longer being banned. Instead, Pest Management Regulatory Agency of Health Canada is only planning to limit, while also adding a few additional warning labels. We are no impressed by this, and are hoping that the research will help reverse this decision.]]> 2017-11-07T08:32:00-05:00 2018-12-21T17:03:05-05:00 Superfood Pumpkin Pie Smoothie Bowl Danny Clark We will take any excuse to have pumpkin pie for breakfast! Below is our tried and true favorite recipe for the perfect pumpkin pie smoothie bowl! Smoothie Ingredients ½ cup of frozen cauliflower ¼ banana, frozen ¼ cup pumpkin, canned 1 ½ cup pecan mylk (or any other kind of nut mylk) 1 teaspoon of maca 1 scoop of collagen 1 teaspoon of reishi 1 teaspoon of raw buckwheat honey 4 sprays of propolis Sprinkle of cinnamon Sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice Toppings Pecan pieces Cinnamon Bee pollen Shredded coconut  Add all ingredients together in the blender, and blend away. If you are having a hard time blending, add more liquid. Once smooth, pour into a bowl, and top it like it’s hot! Snap a photo, tag us and then enjoy! ]]> 2017-10-16T06:34:00-04:00 2018-12-21T17:03:05-05:00 In The News: October Danny Clark Pesticides With a Side Of Honey Many of the world’s farmers use chemicals to protect their crops from pests. Unfortunately, this also means bees come in contact with the chemicals as well. Though the impact of pesticides on bee has been researched for a while, new research on the impact these pesticides has on honey has just begun to surface. The research shows that trace amounts of chemicals are apparent, leaving the question, how will consuming these chemicals affect up? While the answer has not been found yet, we recommend looking for a honey source that guarantees that the land where the bees forage is pesticide free, wildflowers and organic! Buzzworthy Plan A home in Hillside, N.J was finding that a wall in their house was very noisy. They didn’t expect to find over 30,000 bees, and 40 pounds of honeycomb in their walls. The bees were Africanized, making them incredibly aggressive. Unable to keep them due to their aggressive nature, the beekeeper who removed the hive ended up releasing them to a secluded area in the wild. Aloha Bees News in Hawaii says that bees may be the new urban roommate! Oahu beekeepers are stating that many bees are beginning to migrate to urban neighbors to find water and some shade. Many families have begun to see signs of bees, while others have already had them move in! Dull Buzz For a Montana Beekeeper, the honey isn’t flowing like it use to. This year, the Wustner Brothers Honey company has seen a yield that is down 50 percent from last year. To blame? Climate. The extreme drought and wildfires in the area have been devastating to local beekeepers in the Missoula area, wreaking havoc on hives and business. Montana is the 3rd largest producer of honey, and while they have been spared by many problems, like parasites and colony collapse disorder, the drought is a fight that these keepers are losing. With winter around the corner, fingers crossed that the Montana hives can survive.  ]]> 2017-09-28T07:12:00-04:00 2018-12-21T17:03:04-05:00 Sweet Sleep: how honey helps with a good night’s sleep Danny Clark While you may think sleeping means rest for our body, your brain actually uses a lot of energy through the night. How else would you have those vivid dreams? One of the main sources of energy for the brain is from sugar, specifically the sugar stored in the liver. Liver glycogen is the first stop the brain takes to find energy.  To improve your brain’s ability to function through the night, having extra sugar is key, with raw honey being the preferred source for that sugar!

Midnight Hanger

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night abruptly by your body? Whether you were strangely hungry or just uncomfortable? There is a pretty big chance that, that was your brain waking you up for more fuel! Our liver holds 75-100 grams of glycogen at one time. Per hour, our body consumes 10 grams of that glycogen. For many of us, we tend to eat dinner somewhat early, around 6- 7 p.m, but don’t actually go to bed until around 11 p.m. In the time between eating and actually calling it a night, our body has used up a significant portion of the glycogen we stored from our dinner, leaving less than needed to fuel a good 8 hours of sleep. Halfway through an otherwise great night's sleep, your brain tells your body “hey, I need more energy” waking you up from that beauty sleep!

The Sleep Solution

A teaspoon of honey before bed is just what the doctor ordered. The sweet liquid will restock the liver with the glycogen needed to prevent the crisis trigger from the brain. Honey's natural sugars also slightly raise insulin, allowing tryptophan to enter the brain. What is tryptophan? Tryptophan is an amino acid that is turned into niacin, an essential B vitamin. Niacin is a key player in the creation of serotonin,  a neurotransmitter needed to produce melatonin and put your body to sleep. There is no extra step needed when it comes to using honey to aid in your sleep. Sure, you can add it to tea, make a little potion, or add some cinnamon, but all you really need is a clean spoon and a jar of raw honey!

Why Raw Honey?

In all cases, when it comes to raw vs. pasteurized honey, there is no contest! Pasteurization kills most of the vitamins, antioxidants, and antibiotic elements in honey, aka all of the benefits honey, has to offer. For sleep, raw honey is also a significantly better choice. Raw honey is said to be around 22% better at making liver glycogen than pasteurized conventional honey. Safe to say raw honey is always the right choice! Now that all you busy bees know the secret to great sleep, get ready for the beauty rest you’ve always dreamed of! Sweet dreams and nighty night! - Nathaniel Altman, The Honey Prescription – Dr. Ron Fesseden, The Honey Revolution]]> 2017-09-19T17:54:00-04:00 2018-12-21T17:03:04-05:00 Healthy Rosh Hashanah Apple Honey Challah Danny Clark Rosh Hashanah is a very special holiday. In the Jewish religion, Rosh Hashanah is the new year, the birthday of the universe and the celebration of the day Adam and Eve were created. Some of the customs include lighting candles in the evenings, sharing meals with loved ones, prayer services that include the shofar (an instrument made from ram horns) and sharing apples and honey to signify a sweet new year! In honor of this holiday we wanted to create a special recipe to wow all your dinner guests (and every other health nut out there!): a delicious, paleo, gluten-free, refined sugar-free apple baked challah! This recibee is absolutely delicious and incorporates apples and honey, while maintaining a guilt-free nutrient profile. Enjoy this healthy bread and Shana Tova to all our friends!


  • 4 eggs
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons raw BKN honey
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1-1/2 cups cassava flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg white, well beaten
  • 3 organic granny smith apples finely sliced
  • A pinch cinnamon
  • 5 sprays propolis
  • 1 tsp BKN honey to drizzle on top (optional but delicious :))


  1. Preheat oven to 350° F and grease a baking sheet.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, honey, and apple cider vinegar.
  3. In another bowl, mix together the cassava flour, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix well to create a stiff/sticky dough.
  5. Knead a few times on a cassava floured surface.
  6. Divide into 3 sections and roll into 3/4" thick ropes
  7. Braid the ropes together, pressing the ends to hold together.
  8. Transfer to baking sheet.
  9. Brush with egg white.
  10. Bake for 20 minutes.
  11. Take the warm challah out and top it with finely sliced apples, brush the apple topped challah with oil and sprinkle some cinnamon
  12. Put the challah back in the oven to bake for 5-10 minutes
  13. Immediately upon removing the challah from the oven, spray the warm apples on top of the challah with propolis
  14. Once cool, drizzle with honey as you like
  15. Enjoy!  
]]> 2017-09-12T07:40:00-04:00 2018-12-21T17:03:06-05:00 Cactus Fever Danny Clark Why are people so obsessed with the cactus? Maybe it’s their strange cuteness that attracts us? Maybe it is their punny attributes? Or maybe it’s their resilience that inspires us (I mean they literally can live through anything it seems!). Personally, we love cacti for their tie to the bees! Yep, many species of cacti, including the prickly pears, are partially pollinated by our friends the bees! While we would love for our house to be covered in cacti, we don’t have the funds to fuel the addiction. SO here is our tried and true method of how to propagate, AKA create more cacti! What you'll need
  • Cactus pads 
  • Pot
  • Succulent soil
  • Silicone tipped tongs
  • Nitrile dipped gloves
  • Sharp knife
  • Be aware that cacti aren’t easy to handle, and so be careful! Don’t just grab the cacti, use the tongs!!
First, you are going to remove the pads of cacti. This can be done from cacti you already have, from a wild one, or even from a nice neighbor! First, put on gloves, and grab your tongs. With the tongs grab a pad and break it off of the main plant, aiming for a clean break (as pictured). You'll want to let where the cactus was pulled off callous over. Once it has, then it is ready to plant! Planting Fill up a pot, that is larger than your pad, with soil. Once filled, lay the pad on top of the soil, flat. If you stand them up, they will fall over, so just save yourself the trouble and start them on their side! Next, soak the soul, so it is fairly moist. Keep it this way for a few weeks as it will encourage your pad to take root! Once Roots Take Root: Once the roots have sprouted, you’ll want to slow the watering down. And as long as they get a lot of sunlight, you’ll see new pads on these ones within a few months! Now it’s time to go get your cactus on, and Habee planting! ]]> 2017-08-14T09:56:00-04:00 2018-12-21T17:03:05-05:00 In The News: August Danny Clark Most Extensive Study Shows a Beeg Problem with Pesticides The largest study ever conducted on pesticides, spanning 2,000 hectares across the UK, Germany and Hungary was set up to find "real-world" issues caused by the pesticide. The study showed negative impacts not only on honey bees, but also with wild bee species. Each country had different findings, but all had evidence that showed pesticides do negatively impact our pollinators! Corny and Queenless Another study published in the journal Science looked at commercial corn-growing areas of Canada.The study conducted found that neonicotinoid exposed worker bees had lower life expectancies and the entire colony exposed to the pesticides were more likely to permanently lose queens. Without the queen, a hive is doomed to collapse. While bees are not required for corn pollination, they are needed for many other crops found in Canada. The decrease in bee populations would indirectly affect the corn and all around agriculture industry in Canada. Give A’s To the Bees The concept of Zero, a concept even many people don’t seem to understand, does not fly by the bees! In fact, our flying friends seem to understand the idea of zero, and are the first bug that does! The bees were encouraged to fly to platforms with more shapes than the other platforms. While doing so, they recognized the platform that did not have any shapes as having less than the platform with shapes. Bees also respond to rewards and punishments. When approaching the desired platform, they were given a sweet solution. When approaching the undesired platform, they were given a undesired flavored solution. The bees that were given both reward and punishment learned faster than those just rewarded. It is unclear as to why bees have this ability, but we can all agree it is pretty sweet! Insecticide Exposure May Cause The Bumble Bees to Disappear In the latest findings in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution, the scientist stated that when Queen bumblebees were exposed to a common insecticide, many were unable to lay eggs. Without this ability, the bumblebee species would go extinct. It was also noted that the time of interaction with the insecticides also mattered, as certain stages in the queen’s life cycle are more sensitive than others. Like all studies that revolve around these chemicals, it is evident that research should be conducted to see the impact they have on our environment before we use them.]]> 2017-08-08T13:27:00-04:00 2018-12-21T17:03:04-05:00 Top It Like It’s Hot: Our favorite toppings to upgrade your smoothie bowl Danny Clark It is hard to scroll through your IG feed and not see a smoothie bowl. And for good reason! We love smoothie bowls, and we want to teach you a few of our topping tricks! Bee Pollen Energize your day with bee pollen! Bee pollen is full of essential nutrients, including a full spectrum of b vitamins. It is even known as the bee’s multi vitamin because of it’s high amounts of nutrients. It also has a full spectrum of essential amino acids, building blocks of protein, which makes pollen a complete protein, and easily absorbed by the body. Bonus? Bee pollen is a great way to create designs on top of your smoothie bowl! Hemp hearts Hemp hearts are full of two essential fatty acids,omega-6 and omega-3. These golden flakes are also a great source of vitamin E and essential minerals like magnesium, sulfur, calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, sodium, and zinc. Chia Seeds chia seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids, a key component in maintaining a healthy heart. These little black seeds are full of essential nutrients as well! Manganese, copper, iron, selenium, and calcium can all be found in chia seed. Tip: Make a chia pudding to layer your smoothie bowl! Just add 2 tablespoons of chia seeds to ½ cup of almond milk. Stir and let sit to allow the seeds to soak up the liquid and turn into a jell! Macadamia Nuts Arguably the healthiest nut, macadamia nuts are the perfect nut to top off your bowl! The macadamia contains flavonoids that help to prevent cell damage by protecting cells from environmental toxins. Macadamia nuts are also a copper-rich food, which helps with the absorption and utilization of iron in the body. These nuts can also help with digestion, due to their enzymatic reactions of the body. Edible Flowers Add some color to your smoothie bowl with these beeutiful flowers! Besides being pretty to look at, edible flowers are also beneficial to our health! For example,  dandelion flowers, and other weed flowers, contain vitamin C and A, as well as have high amounts of calcium and iron! You can find them at your local grocery store, or even in your garden! Hibiscus contains antioxidants, and violets are known to contain anti-inflammatory properties! Next time you are in your local health food grocer, or even strolling through your garden, have a look out for some edible flowers to top your smoothie. Frozen berries Berries are great, but frozen berries are even better for smoothie bowls. Not only will they keep your bowl cold, like little ice cubes, but they also add a cool frosted look to your bowl, making it totally ista-gramable. Why berries? Besides their gorgeous colors, berries are also low glycemic, aka low in sugar! They won’t lead to that sugar crash that many other fruits can have on the body.   Now that you have the perfect toppers, it’s time to make some smoothie bowls! Don’t forget to make sure to tag us in your pics too by using the hashtags #beekn and #topitlikeitshot!  ]]> 2017-06-12T03:48:00-04:00 2018-12-21T17:03:05-05:00 Snacking to Save the Bees with Purely Elizabeth Danny Clark Like peanut butter to jelly, bee pollen and granola are a match made in heaven. We’ve  partnered with our fav granola gals over at Purely Elizabeth to offer a buzz-worthy package.

What’s in the bundle?

Each bundle contains one limited edition package of Purely Elizabeth’s Grainfree coconut cashew granola and a jar of Beekeeper’s Naturals bee pollen!

The best part?

Profits from each bee bundle sold will be donated to the Davis Harry H. Laidlaw Jr. Honey Bee Research Facility, the leading research group for bees in the U.S. Pretty sweet deal right?!You get some beelicious snacks and you help save our precious pollinators.

Why are we partnering with Purely Elizabeth?

While bees make bee pollen, and other hive superfoods that we all love, they also play a major role in the pollination of our favorite nutrient dense foods! Without bees, we wouldn’t have coconuts, almonds and many other nuts, as well as berries, all of which are essential to making Purely Elizabeth’s granolas so tasty! By working together, we can help protect our pollinators, and ensure that our favorite snacks and toppings don’t go away too!

What makes bee pollen so special?

Bee pollen is known as the bee’s multivitamin and is considered one of nature’s most nourishing foods. It contains almost all nutrients that we require by humans. Need an energy boost? Bee pollen is full of essential vitamins, like vitamin B, which promotes boosts in energy! Finding it hard to get your protein intake? Bee pollen is a complete protein, which means it has all the essential amino acids needed to create a protein source easily used by your body. Amino acids also help with muscle recovery, and so bee pollen is also great post workout snack! Now that we’ve got you all excited about bee pollen and granola, here’s our favorite way to eat our two favorite snacks for breakfast!

Purely Beelicious Parfait

Ingredients 1 cup coconut yogurt ⅓ cup Purely Elizabeth's Grain free coconut cashew granola ½ cup berries Toppings Hemp Hearts Bee Pollen Berries Raw honey Add ¼ cup of your yogurt into a mason. Cover with granola, then top with berries. Repeat layers until you have reached the top. Top it like it’s hot with your favorite toppings, take a pic, and dig in!]]> 2017-05-29T15:33:00-04:00 2018-12-21T17:03:06-05:00 Guilt-free Hazelnut Spread Danny Clark Nutella lovers rejoice! We’ve got a sweet alternative to that nasty sugary spread we are all so addicted to! The raw cacao honey that we launched for Easter has already satisfied our chocoholics, but for all you nutella addicts, the craving is still there. So with this recipe, you can turn your raw cacao honey into a hazelnutty spread. , This easy (and I mean so easy a caveman can do it easy) B.I.Y chocolate hazelnut spread will have your cravings curbed while keeping things nutritious! Ingredients 3-4 tablespoons of BKN raw cacao honey ¼ cup of hazelnuts Pinch of salt 1 tablespoon of raw cacao powder (for those die hard chocoholics) Soak hazelnuts in water for 4 hours (Optional, but by soaking nuts it will help the body digest them easier!). Add the hazelnuts to a food processor or a bullet container. Add in the cacao honey, a pinch of salt and the extra cacao powder if desired. Blend until smooth. Enjoy on avocado toast, in coffee or on a spoon! Warning the spread is so good, sharing may be an issue! P.S. if you don’t have any raw cacao honey, simply replace it with any other kind of raw honey, and add 3 extra tablespoons of raw cacao powder. ]]> 2017-01-13T17:12:00-05:00 2018-12-21T17:03:05-05:00 Snack Attack: Beegan Granola Danny Clark It’s time to level up your snack game with these beegan granola recibees! Whether you're paleo, gluten-free or just plain bored of your snacks, we’ve got you covered. By the way, in case you’re not already familiar with the term beegan, it’s veganism that’s open to consuming ethically produced bee products.

Honey Almond Gluten Free Granola (makes 4 servings)


  • 3 cups organic rolled oats (se suggest Bob's Red Mill)
  • 1 cup organic slivered almonds
  • 1/2 cup organic cashews
  • ½ cup pumpkin seeds
  • 3/4 cup shredded organic coconut
  • 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons organic raw raspberry honey
  • ¼ cup of bee pollen
  • 12-16 sprays of propolis
  • 1/4 cup organic coconut oil
  • 3/4 teaspoon pink himalayan salt
  • 1 cup organic dried cranberries or golden berries (they’re high in vitamin C)

Optional spices for some flavor:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon cloves
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger

Honey Almond Panola aka Paleo Granola (makes 4-6 servings)


  • 2 cups blanched, sliced almonds
  • 1 cup pecans
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1 cup shelled pumpkin seeds
  • ¼ cup sesame seeds
  • ¼ cup ground flax seed or almond meal
  • ¾ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons organic raw raspberry honey
  • ¼ cup of bee pollen
  • 12-16 sprays of propolis
  • 6 tablespoons coconut oil
  • ½ teaspoon pink himalayan salt
  • ¾ to 1 cup dried cranberries or goldenberries

Optional spices for some flavor:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon cloves
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger


First, preheat your oven to 250 degrees F. While your oven is warming up, use a large bowl and combine all your dry ingredients the oats (unless you’re making the panola), nuts, bee pollen, coconut, and dried fruit. In a different bowl, combine wet ingredients (honey, oil, propolis, and salt). After you have mixed both sets of ingredients, mix them together. Next, pour onto a parchment paper covered baking tray. Gluten free granola: Pop it into the oven and let cook for around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Check on your granola after about 45 minutes, and then every 10 or so minutes after that to make sure it is golden brown, not burnt! Panola: The panola is going to take less time than the gluten free granola, taking around 45 minutes. You are also going to want to mix the panola every 15 or so minutes to make sure the mix is evenly roasting! Once your mix has a golden hue all around, take it out of the oven and let it cool. It’s going to be hot, so if you’re going to snag a taste right out of the oven, you’ve  been warned! Divide it up as you want, and store in a container in the fridge until you're feeling snacky! ]]> 2016-12-31T05:03:00-05:00 2018-12-21T17:03:06-05:00 Tis the Season to Get Lit: Healthy Holiday Cocktails Danny Clark ‘Tis the season to get lit… healthified! To knock out 2016, we’re putting a healthy twist on some of our festive favorites. Here’s how to sneak in some extra antioxidants while you’re ringing in the New Year and celebrating the finale of the holiday season.

Paleo Egg Nog (serves 2)

  • 1 14 ounce can full fat coconut milk
  • 2 cups coconut milk from the carton (or any milk/ milk substitute)
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 4 sprays of propolis
  • 1/2 cup of raw unpasteurized honey (we recommend our Sweet Clover honey, or Buckwheat if you're feeling adventurous)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: 2 shots of rum
Topper: Extra nutmeg and cinnamon for serving Instructions:  Combine all ingredients in the basin of a blender. Blend on high until well-combined and frothy. Chill until cold, then serve topped with nutmeg (and a splash of rum for us big kids).

Kombucha Cocktail (serves 4)

  • 1 slice of fresh ginger (around 1 inch), thinly sliced
  • 1 piece of fresh rosemary
  • ½ cup 100% organic cranberry juice
  • 2 12-ounce bottles of Kombucha, preferably original or ginger!
  • 1 teaspoon of raw honey (we recommend using our delicious Raspberry Blossom honey)
  • Optional: 4 shots of vodka
  • Small piece of ginger
  • Frozen cranberries
  • Branch of rosemary
This recipe also makes a mean mocktail if you have some friends that aren’t planning on drinking. Instructions: In a pitcher or quart-sized mason jar, muddle sliced ginger and rosemary together using the end of a wooden spoon (if you actually have a muddler use that!). Then, add in both the cranberry juice and kombucha (and vodka if desired), and gently stir. Finally, pour into 4 glasses.

Mulled Wine Two Ways

Mulled White Wine

  • 1 bottle dry white wine, like chardonnay
  • 1 1/2 cups apple cider
  • 1/3 cup raw unpasteurized honey (we recommend using our Wildflower honey)
  • 1/3 cup whole cranberries
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 apple, sliced
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 vanilla bean, split in half
  • 1 tablespoon whole cardamom pods
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 1 teaspoon-size knob of ginger
Keep aside some cinnamon sticks, orange wedges, cranberries, and star anise for serving. Instructions: Combine all ingredients together in a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, until slightly simmering and hot. Now comes the fun part… the taste test. Check to see where your mulled wine’s at could you do with more sweetness or spice? Adjust accordingly. Serve immediately while the wine is hot!

Mulled Red Wine

  • 1 bottle semi-dry red wine, like cabernet
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 1/3 cup raw unpasteurized honey (we recommend using our rich Buckwheat honey)
  • 1/3 cup whole cranberries
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 apple, sliced
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 star anise
  • 1 vanilla bean, split in half
  • 1 tablespoon whole cardamom pods
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
You know the drill, keep aside some cinnamon sticks, orange wedges, cranberries, and star anise for serving. Instructions:  Follow the same directions as above for the mulled white wine and bam, done! Serve hot. To take your hostess skills to the next level, make your drinks look all kinds of fancy by adding cinnamon sticks for swirling or fruit for decorations. Now time to get your drink on, grab your pots and pans, sparklers, and get ready to ring in 2017!  ]]> 2016-09-29T10:26:00-04:00 2018-12-21T17:03:04-05:00 Meet the Pollinators: Spoiler It’s Not Just Honeybees Danny Clark The vast majority of plant life requires pollination by insects. Without our pollinators, agriculture would bid farewell to most fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, hay and even cotton. Our beautiful gardens would disappear as well. You see, pollinating insects helps plants reproduce by transferring pollen from the male parts of one flower to the female parts of another flower of the same kind. This results in the fertilization of the flower and the production  of seeds. Contrary to popular believe, there are several insects that help out with pollination. Our bee friends take most of the credit in the pollination department, but there are several other insects that put in work too. dsc_0600-1 Here is a little cheat sheet on our beloved pollinators: Who pollinates? Bees, wasps, and ants (Hymenoptera) Butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) Flies (Diptera) Beetles (Coleoptera) Bees The king... or should I say Queen of all pollinators is the bee. In fact, one out of every three bites of food we consume is because of these little ones. While the most well known bee is the European honeybee, there are actually hundreds of other types of bees, like bumblebees, solitary bees and carpenter bees. Why are bees so good at pollinating you may wonder? Well, the bees have three unique tools Mother Nature  equipped them with. First, they are covered in little hairs which allows pollen to stick to them. Second, they use electrostatic forces, also known a static, to keep the pollen on their bodies. Finally, they have special sacks, sometimes referred to as pollen pockets or pants, that they brush the pollen into for transportation. Next time you see a bee, look to see if she has full pollen pants!


Butterflies prefer larger flowers because it’s easier for them to perch. Like bees, they collect pollen on their legs, however, because their legs are longer and farther away from where the pollen is, they end up collecting less pollen. That being said, butterflies are still effective pollinators.


Wasps are notorious for ruining outdoor meals, but as pesky as they might seem, still do their fair share of pollinating. Not all wasps visit flowers, but some do like the fig wasp, who pollinates fig trees. Wasps look like bees, minus the fuzzy hairs. And, because they are missing the fuzz, pollen doesn’t stick to their bodies making them much less efficient at pollinating flowers.


Though rare, pollination by ants does happen. The pollination is limited because ants walk instead of fly, but pollination of a small population of plants is possible.


While we think of flies as the pests that like to land on our food, many flies actually feed on flowers.  Flies are really important for environments where bees are less likely to be found like arctic habitats. One of the most well know pollinator fly is the hover fly. They pollinate many fruit crops, like apples, pears, cherries, and berries, to name a few. One of the most notable flies that pollinate are midges. Midges are small little flies, but they are also chocolate’s dirty little secret. Midges pollinate the white flowers of the cacao tree. This means without the midge, we would have NO chocolate!


Male Mosquitos drink nectar for energy to fuel them for their flights. When drinking from one flower, the mosquito's tend to collect pollen. When they move on to the next flower, they transfer some of the pollen.


Moths are night-flying pollinators who enjoy visiting white, fragrant flowers, like jasmine. The white flowers reflect moonlight, making them easier to see. One of the most known moth-pollinated plants is the yucca plant, which depends on the yucca moth for pollination.


One of the most historic pollinators, the beetle still provides pollination for flowers today. They tend to stick around the flowers that they are familiar with, like magnolias and water lilies. The beetles don't actually go for the nectar like other pollinators, which is why they are known as mess and soil pollinators. Instead, they opt for the actual plant, chewing up and consuming the plants they visit. Stay tuned for our pollinator garden cheat sheet to find out what to plant in your garden to attract pollinators! ]]> 2015-10-25T16:41:00-04:00 2018-12-21T17:03:06-05:00 Beegan Superfood Smoothie Danny Clark Matcha contains the amino acids theophylline and L-theanine which work with the caffeine to give a matcha sipper a more sustainable boost. Unlike coffee, which can sometimes come with jitters, the L-theanine in matcha helps to create a stable mental alertness which means you can sip jolt and jitter free. Think of bee pollen as your multivitamin and protein boost. This superfood is full of protein (~40%), amino acids, B complex vitamins, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, folic acid and carotenoids. There are reports of Olympic and sports teams taking bee pollen regularly with some studies demonstrating increased performance, blood hemoglobin values and shortened recovery time after intense physical exercise. Francis Huber, a renowned German naturalist, called bee pollen the “greatest body builder on earth” and even Muhammad Ali consumed it regularly during his career!


– 1/2 tablespoon of matcha – 1-2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lime – 1 tablespoon fresh chopped ginger – handful of cashews – 1 teaspoon of bee pollen – 1 handful of spinach – 1 handful of parsley – 1/4 of a fresh mango – teaspoon of Himalayan pink salt – 1 tablespoon raw honey – 3 sprays BKN propolis – your favourite nut milk Blend away!
  Photo credit:]]> 2015-10-09T22:05:00-04:00 2018-12-21T17:03:06-05:00 Going Against the Flow? Danny Clark Paddling Upstream: Thoughts on Going Against ‘The Flow’. Renée is a Boston based artist, photographer, and naturalistic beekeeper and spent six months living with beekeepers in 13 regions of Italy for her ‘Bees in Italy’ project. Enjoy Renee’s take on the flow hive and let us know your thoughts!]]> 2015-08-25T22:30:00-04:00 2018-12-21T17:03:06-05:00 Unveiled: Interview with Michalina and Darwyn from Green Bee Honey Danny Clark @greenbeehoney), we learned about what inspired them to start beekeeping, why you shouldn’t be afraid of bees and some veteran beekeeping tricks. Full interview (and awesome pictures) below!

How long have you been beekeepers?

 We’ve had our own hives for just over a year. I started two hives at my university last spring, and then Darwyn caught a swarm that summer. Our hives overwintered well, so we’ve split them up and truly fallen in love with these incredible creatures!

What inspired you to start beekeeping?

I’m actually allergic to both bee stings and honey, so it’s pretty ironic that I’m beekeeping at all…. That said, I’ve always been interested in bees, and when I had the opportunity to open up a beehive while working on a farm in New Zealand a few years ago, I was instantly hooked. What struck me first was the smell of the hives. It was so warm and sweet and floral… I’m still trying to figure out how to bottle that smell into a perfume. What amazed me next is how calm the bees were. They were all going about their business, and until we started taking the honey frames out, they didn’t seem to care we were there. It was my first time beekeeping so we were pretty rough with the bees, which understandably made them agitated! I’m much more slow and deliberate in the hive now.

What was your greatest fear about starting to keep bees or the biggest barrier to entry?

I was worried I would kill the bees! I really had little idea what I was doing when I started. I relied on websites and YouTube videos and the advice of a kind professor when I started my first hives. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to commit enough time to the bees – it’s a bi-weekly commitment for most of the year! I’d really recommend having a mentor to help you start your first hives, from your first discussions to installation to upkeep over the years. There is no substitute for experience!

Tell us three lessons that you’ve learnt from the bees.

1. Patience! You can’t rush bees. From moving slowly in the hive, to waiting for a new queen to mate, it all takes time, and they will do their thing when they are ready. 2. Persistence and learning from your mistakes. We’ve made our fair share of mistakes in the bee yard, and things don’t always work out the way you want them to. I’m especially learning to be okay if things don’t work the first time, and take a step back and learn from what happened. For example, we expected small colonies to raise great queens early in the season. We ended up with a bunch of runty queens that we are having to replace now. One of those queens literally flew away when I was trying to make up a nuc! It was pretty traumatizing. We’re also trying our hand at grafting, and with so many variables in the mix (like a virgin queen getting into our cell builder!), it’s taken us almost 10 tries at grafting to start getting results we’re happy with. But once you get it it’s so rewarding! We’ve had bear and skunk attacks, sugar water floods, comb disasters, and more… they’re all opportunities to do what you’re doing better. 3. Going with the flow. Again, bees do what they want most of the time. You can’t fight it, you just have to re-evaluate and sometimes take things in another direction. We’re not trying to make money at this yet, so this year it’s about learning from the bees and what they want. It’s been fun!

How has working closely with bees changed your perception of nature or the world around us?

I’ve definitely realized how messed up our world is in terms of agriculture, and how working with and augmenting nature rather than trying to control it is essential if humanity wants to survive. There are so many problems with modern agriculture-the mono-cultures, how there is hardly any natural land around farms, the reliance on pesticides, the migratory beekeeping we have to rely on for pollination…. How are bees supposed to help us pollinate our food when we are giving them essentially the worst conditions to thrive? We need to completely re-envision our agriculture systems to allow for nature to give us a hand, through pollination from native wild bees (not non-native honey bees), pest management of crops, replenishing the soil, etc. We need food to exist, and if we don’t figure this out fast, it’s going to lead to our demise!

What’s your favourite thing about being a beekeeper?

I love getting to take a break from my life, and take care of our bees. I’m forced to slow down and to pay attention to what the bees are doing. It’s quite meditative. It’s also made me pay more attention to the seasons, what’s flowering locally and where, what flowers the bees like best…. I’ve become much more in tune with the plants and weather around me.

What is your favourite bee product and why?

I’ve been loving propolis lately. I infused some in oil for making salves, and in alcohol for a tincture. It’s an amazing product! We also just love beeswax. We use it in salves, lip balms, we make our own queen cups for grafting out of it…Darwyn made a solar wax melter last year, and that’s been an easy way for us to melt and filter wax without heating it too much. It’s awesome!

For those out there who fear the bees what words of advice do you have to clear up this misconception?

Bees don’t want to hurt you unless you directly threaten them or their hive (e.g. by squishing them). I think it shows just how important bees are because even though I’m allergic to bee stings and honey, I still deeply appreciate bees for supplying most of our food! Often the buzzing insects that bother people are actually wasps, not bees. Bees mostly do their own thing and stay away from people.

Give us one awesome beekeeping trick that you have learnt (e.g. we’ve met some beekeepers who use essential oil spray instead of a smoker – let us know one of your awesome tricks of the trade).

We sometimes like to use a sage smudge stick for smoke, which is really nice. You can also dust icing sugar on top of your bees when you’re putting the hive back together to get the bees to go down into the hive and avoid getting squished. This is a natural way to deal with varroa mites in combination with a screened bottom board. We love using a big feather to brush bees of the comb. They don’t get stuck in the bristles and get angry that way.

What do you have to say to vegans who don’t believe in using bee products? We openly believe that supporting ethical and sustainable beekeepers is an important part of helping the bees and generating awareness, how do you respond to people who question the practices of taking and consuming bee products? What sustainable practices do you incorporate into your beekeeping?

I think that is a valid concern for many people. Basically, small scale beekeeping is pretty much a completely different thing from commercial beekeeping. I understand not wanting to support commercial beekeeping! Small scale beekeepers are often much gentler on their bees, so hardly any bees get squished. We try to keep our bees as healthy as possible by letting them live like they would in the wild (natural comb, letting them build new comb, not using chemicals inside the hive, letting bees eat their own honey in winter, etc.). It’s similar to eating eggs from backyard hens instead of factory chicken farms-you know the backyard hens had a great, healthy life, you know what they ate, etc. I know some vegans who eat eggs, but only from chickens they know! Makes sense to me.

Do you feel that Canadians as a whole are fairly conscious of the bees and their importance? How is this looked at in Squamish/BC? Do you find that there is a great need to cultivate awareness of the hard work of our buzzing friends?

Most people have the basic idea of the importance of honey bees down. What needs more attention is the work of native wild bees that pollinate wild plants so our entire ecosystems keep functioning. Wild bees also contribute to many agricultural crops. Honey bees are actually pretty poor pollinators in general for most crops. Wild bees do a better job at pollinating in fewer visits to flowers. Bumblebees in particular, buzz while they pollinate, which releases pollen from flowers. Some flowers like blueberries, tomatoes, and eggplant, need buzz pollination to make fruit. It takes four honey bee visits to a blueberry flower to equal one visit from a bumblebee. So why do we put so much emphasis on honey bees? It’s because they are our only option because we have destroyed so much wild bee habitat around farms, and monocrops and pesticides are not very conducive to wild bee health. We now need to bring in honey bee hives because bees can’t survive in agricultural areas year round. Scary stuff! We need to promote this knowledge.

What is the one thing you want people locally to start doing to help the bees? Internationally? If you could share one message about the bees with the general public what would it be?

Locally, I’d say everyone should plant flowers in their yard and let a patch of their lawn go wild. On a municipal level, governments should make bylaws that allow for bee-friendly practices-wild lawns, promote flowers and gardening, banning pesticide use…. Internationally, I’d like to see incentives for farmers to go organic, and move towards more bee-friendly farming, i.e. pioneering solutions for large scale and high yield, yet low impact agriculture. We need big farms to experiment with companion planting, crop rotations, leaving wild spaces, etc. This will hopefully reduce our reliance on crop inputs and pesticides, too. Right now there is not much incentive to change until our systems just stop working altogether.

What would you tell people to inspire them to act? What changes can we make in our lives to help the bees?

Buy bee products from a beekeeper you trust! One of the biggest food scandals EVER involved honey, which was tainted with illegal antibiotics and chemicals, and in many cases wasn’t even honey. Ask about the beekeeper’s practices. Support small scale, organic farmers when you can! They are much more bee-friendly. Buying organic from big grocery stores is better, but small scale local is better if you can afford it. Give bees more food in your yard by planting flowers that bloom successively all season long. Tell your local government representatives that bees matter to you and to make policy changes that help bees. This can include pesticide bans in municipality landscaping, changing zoning bylaws to allow for wild spaces, etc. Small changes in bylaws can have big impacts!
]]> 2015-08-09T21:21:00-04:00 2018-12-21T17:03:05-05:00 Build Your Own Bee Hotel Workshop Danny Clark more efficient than honeybees in some cases). Bee hotels provide a place for certain solitary bees that typically live in wood to build their nests and lay their eggs. This past Saturday in Toronto, we hosted a fun workshop with The Shop and taught everyone how to build their own bee hotels, why solitary bees are important and what they can do to help. Thank you to everyone who came out and sharing your passion for the bees!]]>