“Here, we raise bees without suits, smoke, or fear —
just presence, trust, and mutual respect.” — Owl Creek Farm
At Owl Creek, we’ve chosen a different path. We don’t wear suits. We don’t use smoke. We don’t build barriers between us and our bees — because we believe in meeting them as they are: wild, sacred, and free.
We visit them every day, bare-handed and open-hearted. Not because we’re fearless, but because we trust them — and they trust us. It’s a relationship, not a domination.
We don’t feed them sugar water. Why? Because bees deserve real nectar, real flowers, and real freedom.
Sugar syrup weakens the hive’s immunity, disrupts their gut health, and leads to honey that lacks all the healing power nature intended. They give us pure, raw honey — and in return, we give them the dignity of living how bees were meant to live.
And yes — sometimes, they might sting. They haven’t yet. But even if they do, it’s not a problem.
Bee venom has powerful medicinal properties. It’s sold for hundreds of dollars per gram on the open market.
It stimulates the immune system, reduces inflammation, and has been used for centuries in healing practices.
So if one day, in their wisdom, they choose to sting us — we’ll take it as a gift, not an attack.
Important note:
If you are allergic, sensitive, or fearful — this path is not for you.
We’re not suggesting others do what we do. We’re simply sharing our way — a way that honors the ancient bond between humans and bees. No gloves. No smoke. No shortcuts.
Just a deep respect for one of nature’s most miraculous creatures.
Why Bees Matter and
Why Your Support Counts
Bees are essential to life on Earth. They pollinate over 80% of all flowering plants, including many of the fruits, vegetables, nuts, and herbs we eat every day. Without bees, much of our food system and the ecosystems that support it would collapse.
But bees offer us more than pollination. From their hives come nature’s most extraordinary treasures:
Raw Honey
Rich in enzymes, antioxidants, and healing properties; a natural antibiotic and energy source
Beeswax
Used in candles, salves, balms, and natural skincare; a breathable, protective barrier for the skin
Propolis
A powerful immune-supporting resin with antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties
Royal Jelly
Nutrient-dense and prized for its regenerative, anti-aging benefits
Bee Pollen
A complete protein, full of vitamins and minerals; supports energy and vitality
Honeycomb (Comb Honey)
Pure, edible wax filled with raw honey, as close to the hive as it gets; delicious, aromatic, and packed with nutrients
Despite all they give, bees are under threat from pesticides, habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Supporting bees is not only an act of ecological responsibility, it's an act of care for future generations.
Partnering with a beekeeper by adopting a hive is a powerful way to help.
You're not only receiving pure, local honey and bee products; you're directly supporting natural, sustainable beekeeping. You're giving bees the freedom to live as they are meant to: wild, wise, and self-regulating.
By choosing to support a hive, you’re creating space for life to flourish — and the bees will thank you in the sweetest way possible.
Our Commitment to Natural Beekeeping
At Owl Creek Farm, we follow the rhythm of nature. We never use chemicals, artificial feeds, or industrial practices. Our bees are free to forage, swarm, and organize their colony as they would in the wild — because we believe in protecting not just the honey, but the intelligence and spirit of the hive.
We practice traditional, low intervention beekeeping
Inspired by ancestral methods and biodynamic principles. No synthetic treatments, no forced production only respect, patience, and presence.
And when it comes to harvesting, we keep it pure:
• We sell only raw honey that’s been extracted using natural draining methods, never heated or aggressively filtered.
• We offer comb honey (honey still in its wax cells), just as the bees made it untouched, unspun, and bursting with flavor and vitality.
Using the comb is one of the best and most natural ways to enjoy honey. When you eat honey straight from the comb, you're getting it in its purest form untouched, unfiltered, and full of all its natural enzymes and nutrients.
It’s also better because you don’t have to worry about metal tools affecting the honey. Metal can cause oxidation over time, which can alter the taste and reduce the honey’s natural benefits. That’s why honey should always be handled with wood, plastic, glass, or ceramic never metal. With the comb, nature takes care of everything. Just cut, serve, and enjoy.
This means less yield, but more integrity. Our honey isn’t just a sweetener it’s a living food, and we treat it as such.
Mountain Honey Qualities – Zone 7a, North Carolina
Mountain honey from the Zone 7a region of North Carolina is a natural treasure that reflects the purity and biodiversity of the area. Collected from hives situated at higher elevations, where bees gather nectar from a wide variety of wildflowers, mountain honey has unique qualities that make it highly prized:
Intense Aroma and Flavor: Thanks to the rich variety of mountain flowers, the honey has a distinctive aroma, often floral, with more complex notes and a bolder flavor compared to honey from flatlands. It can vary depending on the flowers the bees forage from, but it tends to be more robust with a slight earthy undertone.
Rich in Minerals and Antioxidants: Mountain honey is naturally rich in essential minerals such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium, sourced from the local flora. Additionally, its antioxidant properties are superior due to the diverse wildflowers, making it a great ally for health.
Velvety and Creamy Consistency: This honey ranges from liquid to creamy, depending on the variety of flowers and seasonal conditions. Its velvety texture makes it perfect for spreading or adding to hot beverages without crystallizing quickly.
Local and Sustainable Sourcing: Produced in an unspoiled mountainous region, mountain honey is the result of an environmentally respectful collection process. Bees work in harmony with nature, supporting a healthy and sustainable ecosystem. Furthermore, mountain honey is often free from additives or contaminants, produced with natural and traditional methods.
A Flavor That Tells the Story of the Land: Each jar of mountain honey reflects the unique terroir of Zone 7a in North Carolina. The bees gather nectar from a rich biodiversity that includes wildflowers, aromatic herbs, and native plants, creating a flavor tied to the local climate and vegetation.
Health Benefits: Mountain honey is known for its antibacterial, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly used as a natural remedy to relieve coughs, improve digestion, and promote healthy skin. Additionally, its nutrient richness makes it a healthy sweetener for desserts and drinks.
Our bees live and work in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest, surrounded by wildflowers, untouched woodlands, and pure mountain air.
What makes our honey so special?
It’s the rich biodiversity of this pristine forest. Our bees gather nectar from a wide range of wild plants, herbs, and trees you won’t find in typical farmland or urban areas. This gives our honey a unique, complex flavor—and powerful natural properties you can truly taste. Raw. Wild. Local. Just the way nature intended.
At Owl Creek, we go even further: we plant all the flowers our bees love most, making sure they have a continuous source of healthy, chemical-free nectar all season long. Happy bees make the best honey.
This honey is not only a delicacy but also a symbol of our commitment to sustainability and the health of bees.
Why Raw Honey is Better
Retains Natural Enzymes and Nutrients
Raw honey is unprocessed and unheated, meaning it retains the natural enzymes, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are usually lost during the pasteurization process. These include:
Enzymes
Naturally occurring enzymes like diastase and invertase help with digestion and the breakdown of sugars. These enzymes are destroyed when honey is heated, but in raw honey, they remain intact.
Vitamins and Minerals: Raw honey is rich in vitamins such as B vitamins (B6, thiamine, riboflavin) and minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron, which support overall health.
Antioxidants: Raw honey is packed with antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols, which help fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
Health Benefits
Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties: Raw honey has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties that help to heal wounds, fight infections, and improve gut health. The high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide in raw honey, along with its low moisture content, create an environment hostile to bacteria.
Improved Digestion: The enzymes in raw honey assist with the digestive process, particularly in the breakdown of carbohydrates and sugars. It can also soothe digestive discomfort such as acid reflux or upset stomachs.
Immune Support: Regular consumption of raw honey can boost the immune system by supporting the production of healthy gut bacteria and providing the body with essential nutrients that promote overall immune function.
Less Processing Means More Flavor
Raw honey has a richer and more complex flavor profile compared to processed honey. Since it's not filtered or pasteurized, it retains all the natural flavors and nuances of the flowers and plants that the bees pollinated. This results in a more authentic, natural taste, which can vary seasonally depending on the local flora.
Supports Local Beekeepers and Ecosystems
Raw honey is typically produced by small, local beekeepers who use sustainable and ethical practices. By buying raw honey, consumers support local ecosystems and help preserve pollinator populations. Local honey also provides potential relief from seasonal allergies, as it can contain trace amounts of pollen that might help the body build tolerance to local allergens.
Why Honeycomb is Better
Natural and Unprocessed
Honeycomb is the most natural form of honey, straight from the hive. It’s essentially the bees' storage for honey and brood, and it's as raw as it gets. Honeycomb contains both honey and beeswax, providing a unique and wholesome experience.
Contains Beeswax, a Superfood
Beeswax is a byproduct of honey production, and it has its own set of health benefits.
Rich in Fatty Acids
Beeswax is a natural fat, and it contains compounds such as myricin and palmitic acid, which have been shown to help lower cholesterol.
Helps with Skin Health
Beeswax has emollient properties, meaning it helps to soften and soothe the skin. It’s often used in skin creams and lip balms for its ability to form a protective barrier, locking in moisture and shielding the skin from environmental toxins.
Promotes Respiratory Health
Consuming small amounts of beeswax in honeycomb can help open airways and may provide relief from respiratory issues like asthma or allergies.
Enhanced Nutrient Absorption
When consumed together, honey and honeycomb work synergistically. The beeswax helps protect the delicate nutrients in raw honey, improving absorption and preserving its bioavailability. It also provides a more balanced, complete nutrient profile due to the combination of honey, wax, and other natural elements found in the comb.
Unique Texture and Enjoyment
Honeycomb offers a distinctive texture and experience that raw honey alone can’t provide. Chewing through the beeswax gives a pleasurable crunch that adds an extra layer of enjoyment. The wax itself is edible and provides a subtle, sweet taste that complements the honey. Many people love this chewy experience, which is not only delicious but also a bit of an adventure for the taste buds.
Ideal for Immune System Support
Like raw honey, honeycomb also contains small amounts of pollen and propolis, which are beneficial for immune system health. Propolis is a resin-like substance that bees collect from trees and use to seal their hives. It has powerful antimicrobial properties that help protect the hive, and consuming it may help enhance your body’s resistance to infection.
Minimal Processing and Highest Quality
Unlike many processed honey products that are filtered or pasteurized, honeycomb requires no processing at all. It’s simply cut from the hive and packaged, making it one of the purest forms of honey available. Honeycomb also contains a full spectrum of enzymes, antioxidants, and minerals found in raw honey.
Conclusion
Why Choose Raw Honey and Honeycomb
Both raw honey and honeycomb are superior because they are unprocessed, full of nutrients, and offer a more authentic taste and texture than conventional honey. Raw honey retains its beneficial properties, offering a natural remedy for various health issues, while honeycomb provides a more immersive, wholesome experience, incorporating both honey and beeswax for added health benefits. By choosing these natural products, you’re not only nourishing your body but also supporting sustainable beekeeping practices that help protect these vital pollinators.
What’s Really in Grocery Store Honey? The Truth Might Surprise You
Recent investigations have shown that much of the honey sold in big chain grocery stores is not what it claims to be. In fact, nearly half of the honey tested in some studies has been found to be adulterated—diluted with cheap sugar syrups like rice or corn syrup, stripped of its beneficial components, or falsely labeled.
And this isn’t just happening overseas—major honey scandals have shaken the U.S. too.
Remember “Honeygate”?
In 2013, U.S. federal authorities uncovered one of the largest food fraud cases in history. A massive smuggling scheme brought in hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of adulterated honey from China, falsely labeled as originating from countries like India and Malaysia to avoid tariffs and inspections. Much of it was cut with corn or rice syrup, or even contaminated with illegal antibiotics and heavy metals. And it didn’t stop there.
Further investigations found:
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U.S. companies filtering out pollen to hide the origin of their honey.
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High-fructose corn syrup added to stretch out production and increase profits.
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Some honey products so processed and filtered that they barely resembled real honey anymore.
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Lack of FDA regulation requiring honey sold in stores to be 100% pure.
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So why should you care?
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Your health – Real, raw honey is full of enzymes, antioxidants, and natural antibacterial properties. Adulterated honey offers none of that.
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Honesty and safety – Without pollen, origin can’t be traced. With no regulation, “honey” could be mostly syrup.
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The bees and the planet – Buying from small, local beekeepers supports sustainable, ethical practices and protects pollinators.
Bottom line:
If your honey is ultra-clear, always liquid, and comes from “a blend of honeys from multiple countries,” it might not be honey at all.
Choose raw, local, and traceable honey.
Know your beekeeper. Know your honey. The real stuff has a face, a place, and a story.