Staying up late
To jar my HONEY! I recently extracted the honey from my beehives – forty-nine pounds, to be exact! The yield filled many, many jars – half-pints, full-pints, and twelve-ounce. I used canning jars, all washed and sterilized first. The honey is a delicious and flavorful mix from flowers and fruit and vegetable blossoms from my garden. Come and have a look at this lovely, golden treasure. Plus, here’s some information about honey that you might find interesting.
Honey is a delightfully tasty, sweet substance produced from flower nectar by honeybees. Humans have been using honey since ancient times. In fact, apiculture, the practice of beekeeping, can be traced back to around 700 BC. Honey can be enjoyed today in a variety of forms and flavors, but in early times it was a rare commodity. Regarded as a symbol of life and wealth, its use was reserved for religious ceremonies and for medicinal purposes. It was used as a purifier, an antiseptic, a skin toner, an aid to digestion, and as a sedative. Rarely was honey eaten just for pleasure, except, of course, by bears.
Honey’s reputation as a cure-all is a subject of debate among scientists, but much contemporary research supports this folk wisdom. Honey inhibits bacteria growth and contains disease-fighting antioxidants. It can serve as, among other things, a natural remedy for digestive problems, and as a quick energy source. It can also be used as a dressing for wounds and burns, and even as an ointment for many skin conditions. Despite all of its good qualities, honey shouldn’t be fed to babies under 1 year of age. All types of honey contain spores that very young bodies can’t tolerate.
How wonderful!
I'm a big supporter of bees with my garden. There are THREE feral hives within three miles of my home. One of my neighbors has a feral hive. http://www.savethehives.com provides a map for folks to report the feral hives. A friend of mine is a beekeeper and is supporting that web site. I'll soon be running an article about beekeeping in my blog.
Cameron
Defining Your Home Garden
http://definingyourhome.blogspot.com
Posted by: Cameron (Defining Your Home Garden) | November 6th, 2008 at 3:37 am
I love honey and found this very interesting. Martha, you don't let anything go to waste in this great country. You are a wonderful steward of the earth. I applaud you and your resourcefulness in many areas. (Sure wish I had a jar of that honey!!)
Posted by: Esther | November 6th, 2008 at 3:46 am
What fun! It looks divine!
)
Posted by: Isle Dance | November 6th, 2008 at 3:55 am
Nice post. WOW that honey looks amazing!
Posted by: Jane mq | November 6th, 2008 at 4:05 am
Lovely,
Martha it would be so great if you became a very active spokesperson for the bee industry.
Thanks so much,
Margie
Posted by: Margie | November 6th, 2008 at 4:07 am
Martha, you continue to amaze me. Despite your success, you are true to yourself. Not a lot of women of your status would stay up late to can honey.
You are a rock star in my book, woman!!!
Posted by: jan | November 6th, 2008 at 4:12 am
This is so fascinating. How to get started??
Posted by: lorraine | November 6th, 2008 at 4:48 am
I concur!...gorgeous, gorgeous color, especially when the light is shining thru the varied jars! I'm glad, too, that your bees are healthy and thriving. (And) forty pounds (of honey)?!! - what a "crop"!
I suspect today (Friday) that your show isn't a live one, especially if you were up this late doing this task. [giggle] I really enjoyed your segment yesterday with Sarah about braising. The President's speech pre-empted you a few moments in my region, but I was able to get the gist and didn't miss too much. I really like these segments, and I'll look forward to next Thursday's pan-searing/frying lesson.
From being able to skim over your new cooking handbook the other evening, I'd say you HAVE done Miss Weyer VERY proud!
I love you, Martha Stewart!
=^..^=
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | November 6th, 2008 at 5:06 am
Hi Martha!
Your honey looks delicious and beautiful! I stayed up late last night too! The reason was because I was finishing hand-made invitations for my sister-in-law's upcoming Thanksgiving Day Baby Shower. I wanted to thank you for your line of edge punches at Michael's - I chose one to personalize the border of the invitations and I had so much fun working with it - even in the wee hours of the morning! Thank you for being an incredible resource! All the Best, Julie
Posted by: Julie Meyer | November 6th, 2008 at 5:07 am
Hi Martha
Lovely photos of the back-lit translucent honey!
(I thought you were going to say you stayed up late to see the Obama family on a jubilant night.
Posted by: MMC in San Diego | November 6th, 2008 at 5:08 am
...folks, here I am AGAIN today...I apologize!...
Today is THURSDAY, not Friday (wishful thinking!)...and my next cooking lesson(??) - (I swear you said Thursday?!!)
I get all discombobulated sometimes...
(Big sigh!)
=^..^=
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | November 6th, 2008 at 5:12 am
you are just amazing - what a feat!
Posted by: Norbie K. of Las vegas | November 6th, 2008 at 5:13 am
How ironic because just the other day I was reading about the many uses of honey and was curious about the medicinal purposes.
I would think your honey would be especially delicious considering the variety of flowers, fruits and vegetables that you grow. I'm completely fascinated with the whole process from bee hive to jars but I'm more amazed at all the things you do.
Thanks again for sharing another one of your days from a-day-in-the-life-of-Martha Stewart! Trish
P. S. Hi Laura and Eliad!
Posted by: Trish | November 6th, 2008 at 5:42 am
I've been reading a lot about honey lately and its seemingly endless benefits. You can't beat something that is not only beneficial but tasty as well!
Posted by: Kari | November 6th, 2008 at 6:17 am
Isn't it amazing how bees make honey? It's hard for me to understand how this tiny little insect can produce something so yummy!
Posted by: Tabitha (From Single to Married) | November 6th, 2008 at 6:27 am
Lovely photos of such a healthy and natural food. This brings back many memories as my dear late uncle was a beekeeper and i spent many hours watching him extract it at the end of each season. Quite a process! I would help fill the jars and pack them into boxes in readiness for them to be driven to the cooperative. Once there the honey would be graded and labelled in in order for it to be sold. The grading also determined how much my uncle would profit from his enterprise. I am happy that i spent my tender young years with my uncle and grandparents who not only kept bees but had beautiful vegetable, berry and flower gardens...these were sold to the many Summer residents in the nearby lake communities. And, i would profit, too, by helping to sell these items. It helped to shape my appreciation for gardens as well as knowing that i can pass my knowledge along to my children and grandchildren...just like my grandparents did for me.
Posted by: Sherey | November 6th, 2008 at 6:50 am
49 POUNDS?! Wow, that's a lot of honey. I can imagine that it's an all-nighter to get that canned and stored away
I've got a few all-nighters myself over the next month, trying to get all the poinsettias shipped before Christmas.....
Posted by: Tamara | November 6th, 2008 at 7:27 am
I wonder if you've seen a reduction in the number of bees with all the news of colony collapse disorder. It sounds like your bees are healthy and well, which is wonderful.
In addition to the uses you mentioned, there is some evidence that eating local honey can help reduce seasonal allergy symptoms. I'm a hay fever sufferer and buy local honey at my farmer's market and I do think it helped reduce the severity of my symptoms this year.
Posted by: MarthaAndMe | November 6th, 2008 at 7:30 am
I wish I could get a jar of that honey in my stocking at Christmas!
Posted by: Amanda Medley | November 6th, 2008 at 7:44 am
Martha - What?? No pictures of the extruding (is that the right word?) process? I have a vague memory of a segment on your show about having to put the honey in a machine to get the wax out etc... Did you do that yourself? Did you send your honey away to be "de-waxed"? We here at the blog need details!!
Love the blog - read it every day!
Posted by: Stephanie | November 6th, 2008 at 7:49 am
What a wonderful gift idea!
Posted by: Fuji Mama | November 6th, 2008 at 7:55 am
Dearest Martha,
Amazing and looks delicious.
Good Luck and God Bless you.
Rowaida Flayhan
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | November 6th, 2008 at 7:57 am
What a wonderful gift idea! Everyone loves honey! I admire you for always staying so real and creating a beautiful life. And of course for sharing with us so that we can learn from you!
Posted by: Lavender Dreamer | November 6th, 2008 at 8:00 am
Hi Martha, Forty-nine pounds! Wow, that's a lot of honey from three beehives! You certainly do a great job of keeping your bees happy and healthy and they in turn reward you with this beautiful product. You sure do know how to get the best results out of everything you do. Oh, how I would love to taste that delicious honey! Yummmmmm! Thanks so much for sharing. I just made a cup of tea! Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | November 6th, 2008 at 8:03 am
The honey looks divine. I was so disappointed when I learned that I am allergic to honey, of all things. I miss it's sweet taste on toast and in my tea. Thanks for posting your photos- I still enjoy the memory of it's taste!
Posted by: leslie | November 6th, 2008 at 9:38 am
Without money, bees make honey.
Posted by: tinay | November 6th, 2008 at 9:49 am
I just recently became a reader of your site. Thanks for the wealth of information and tips! It is great.
The honey info was very interesting. I wish you had taken pictures of the process of getting the honey from the white boxes into the jars. That would have been neat to learn about.
Thanks for sharing so much with us all.
Posted by: Valerie | November 6th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Your show on beekeeping really inspired me. I've lived near beehives (including one in the chimney of the house I grew up in), but never thought about keeping them myself until I saw your show.
Bees are so neat!
Posted by: Patia | November 6th, 2008 at 10:26 am
looks amazing. i love learning about the background of honey as well. it's so interesting to know where things come from and the symbolism behind it. i like to make lemon, poppy seed scones and drizzle honey on top for a sweet breakfast.
Posted by: ShopLittleGifts | November 6th, 2008 at 10:33 am
MARTHA,
I LOVE YOUR SHOW AND I'M ALWAY'S FINDING NEW STUFF TO FILL MY TUPPERWARE BOWLS WITH. IT WOULD BE GREAT IF I COULD GET YOU TO DO A TUPPERWARE GET TOGATHER WITH ME. I WOULD LOVE TO BE ABLE TO COME AND SHOW YOU ALL OF OUR NEW PRODUCTS THAT WE HAVE I'M SURE YOU WOULD LOVE THEM AND GET LOTS OF STUFF TO FILL THEM UP THEY MAKE WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS GIFTS!! AND I KNOW YOU TRY TO MAKE EVERYTHING FOR EVERYBODY AND PUT THEM IN CONTAINERS THAT ARE SO PRETTY. WHEN YOU HAVE TIME PLEASE CHECK OUT MY WEBSITE I'M SURE YOU WOULD LOVE EVERYTHING WE HAVE. I PROMISE TO TAKE REALLY GOOD CARE OF YOU IF YOU EVER NEED ANYTHING! THE HONEY LOOKS SO FABLOUS!! YOU KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK CAUSE I WATCH YOU EVERYDAY... AND I LEARN SOMETHING NEW EVERY DAY.. PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR ANYTHING IF YOU NEED IT.. HUGS SUSAN
Posted by: SUSAN | November 6th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Hello,
I,ve never bloged before but I loved The show and looked at the blog of your trip to Mexico, I Have been to Mexico many times also the Yucatan, All I have to say is thank you so much for showing such magical heaven on earth. My last trip was to Oaxaca a year ago with my husband and we visited all the ruins and gardens and it too is georgous. thank you and I hope you show more wonderful places to experience.
Posted by: Ruta Brazis-Velasco | November 6th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Martha,
Wow, how amazing. The honey looks so beautiful and delicious. I try to sample honey from all over the United States. I use to get my honey from a local man here in Berks COunty PA but he stopped making it. It was so good. It would be such a treat for me to try your honey. Any way I can be added to your Christmas list?
Posted by: Scott Piergrossi | November 6th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
I love raw honey - I have it every morning in my yogurt with blueberries. It's nature's gift - pure honey!
Posted by: Kathleen | November 6th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Local honey is also a cure-all for springtime allergies. If ingested daily, one is ingesting also the local pollens in the honey. The body believes then the pollens are good, nutrition, and allergic reactions to the pollen will stop.
Posted by: Joanne | November 6th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Hi Martha,
I love the picture of the light coming in from behind the jars. That would look beautiful in a frame.
I'm glad you use "Ball" Mason Jars. My daughter is a graduate of "Ball State University" in Muncie, Indiana. The Ball family founded the University.
Nothing better than fresh baked biscuits with warm honey!!!
Posted by: Sherry | November 6th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
You may be interested to know that while I cannot eat refined sugar, I can tolerate small amounts of honey. I enjoy baking with it and would love more recipes, Martha, where I can substitute honey for sugars.
Posted by: Judy | November 6th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Martha,
Had it not been for your advertising the Pfaff Creative Vision on your show, and my seeing the re-run this past summer of the introduction of the Pfaff machines with the Creative Vision, you would not be able to see my new website here.
Congrats to you and me, for a win-win situation!
Kate
Posted by: Kate Meade | November 6th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Dear Martha,
How very interesting to hear about your bees. One question: where do you keep them in the winter time?
And talking about staying up late..........I bake Kuchens which is an old recipe that has been around this community for years. I have baked those during all hours of the day (and night) but they're worth it. Just like your honey.
Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Esther | November 6th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
Hi Martha,
How very interesting to read about your bee hives and your very bountiful crop.
And speaking of staying up late......I periodically bake Kuchens, a custard dessert that has been made in this community for years. And I've baked those all hours of the day and night. But like the honey from your bees, it's well worth.
Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Esther | November 6th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
Hi Martha, Gorgeous honey harvest. Your busy buzzy friends, the bees, have had a busy summer! Actually, I'd like to know how often you harvest the honey. This will make a wonderful Christmas gift!! I received some Tupelo honey from my brother in Florida for my birthday. I'm so enjoying it! Have you ever tried Tupelo honey or orange blossom honey? They are both very sweet, so I guess they're not for everyone. However, I have a real "Sweet tooth", so I eat it lots! I have enjoyed your shows and blogs
Posted by: Frances in Tuscaloosa | November 6th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
Good Morning Martha
The honey looks wonderful. I'll be at your book signing in Philadelphia tonight why don't you bring me a jar, I love honey
I'll see you tonight!!!
Posted by: Ann | November 7th, 2008 at 1:39 am
Absolutely fabulous! I love that you were staying up late canning honey! I think we have all been there.
Posted by: Loralee Lewis | November 7th, 2008 at 7:02 am
Canning seems like such a daunting, difficult process to me. I'm always in awe of people who do it, and do it successfully.
That's one impressive honey harvest! So pretty in all those jars, too. I have a friend locally who's uncle keeps honey--then his son makes mead! Clever, clever, clever.
Or should I say clover?
Posted by: Mrs.W | November 8th, 2008 at 1:54 am
Great looking honey...what a great gift to give....
Posted by: Gail | November 8th, 2008 at 2:44 am
Martha,
I live in Florida and have a little orange grove, with all kinds of varities of fruit, pink lemons, page orange, valencia, satsuma, key lime, pink grapefruit... and more, but, I have so much and dont what to do with it all....do you have any suggestions, i dont want it wasted... it's beautiful!
Posted by: leslee keller | November 8th, 2008 at 3:39 am
Martha,
Every summer I would stay with my grandparents, and help grandpa with his bees. What wonderful, wonderful memories.
La Donna
Posted by: La Donna | November 8th, 2008 at 6:52 am
What a great blog post. I am a bee lover myself. Such a noble insect! I dream someday of having my own hives on a bit of propery somewhere!
Posted by: QueenoftheHIVEmomof5 | November 8th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Congratulations on the honey:) That's wonderful. I love the picture of the different shades. You see the golden from the sunlight and then gets darker as you go through the picture.
Take care and God Bless!!
Posted by: Barb | November 8th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
We get your show in Israel about half a year after filmed (we just got your cupcake week) and I enjoy it
However most of your recipies are not kosher or have non-kosher ingredients (milk or butter with meat) can you mention or even write below what can be used instead
I tried your rosemary/garlic chicken with crusty potatoes excellent - I used olive oil instead of butter can you help in this area
Perhaps you canadd it to the site
Thank you
Posted by: Penina KUTNER | November 9th, 2008 at 2:42 am
Should I leave my address here or can you just bring my jar when you come to So. California this week? Either way is fine with me. Lol!
Posted by: Marie | November 10th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
I'm a beekeeper and love bees!. I have some pictures of a honey-harvest I did back in 2006 if you want to share with your readers. (http://tradescantapiaries.blogspot.com/)
Also I run a website called http://www.savethehives.com to help track wild honey bees across the country. Research scientists at the University of North Carolina are doing genetic research on these feral honey bees in the hopes of finding out why they are surviving when so many of our managed honey bees are dying. If your readers are interested, they can visit the site and look for the Map to see if they live near a reported feral honey bee colony - they are great for your garden!
Posted by: Ronnie | November 16th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Martha,
Listening to NPR yesterday, I was unaware that the average age of beekeepers is 70 years old. It would be nice if a high-profile person like yorself would make this info available to the public and support the introduction of beekeeping to the younger generation. We need new blood in the beekeeping business.
Cargie Aitchison
Posted by: Cargie Aitchison | April 8th, 2009 at 12:27 pm