NorCal Nectar - Premium Raw Honey

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you want to know about NorCal Nectar

From harvest practices and seasonal releases to shipping, storage, and bee care, this guide shares how we craft small-batch raw honey and deliver it straight from our Northern California apiaries to your pantry.

Raw Honey & Hive Craft

Everything you need to know about how we care for the bees and craft our small-batch raw honey in Northern California.

What makes NorCal Nectar honey raw and unfiltered?

NorCal Nectar honey is pulled straight from our Northern California hives and never heated above 95 degrees Fahrenheit, so the natural enzymes, pollen, and propolis stay intact. We strain gently to remove wax particles while keeping the creamy texture and terroir-driven flavor notes that define true raw honey.

Explore the flavor lineup in our raw honey shop or learn more about our beekeeping roots on the About page.

Do you offer single varietal or seasonal honey releases?

Yes. We follow the seasonal blooms across Mendocino, Sonoma, and the Sierra foothills, so each harvest features single-floral and seasonal bottlings like coastal wildflower, blackberry blossom, and mountain orchard honey. Limited runs sell quickly, so joining our email list and watching the blog helps you catch new releases.

Browse the current jars in the shop and watch the blog for harvest notes and release calendars.

Is your honey certified organic?

Honey cannot receive a true organic certification in the United States because bees forage up to five miles, but we partner with organic farms and pesticide-free wildlands to keep their nectar sources clean. Every apiary is tested for contaminants, and we follow beyond-organic standards so each jar is naturally pure.

Discover the stewardship practices we prioritize in our education hub.

Can I purchase honeycomb and royal jelly from the same apiaries?

We harvest raw honeycomb frames and fresh frozen royal jelly from the same hives on a limited basis. Availability depends on nectar flow, so we release batches in small lots to maintain quality and avoid overworking the bees.

Check the product lineup and gift sets for the latest honeycomb and royal jelly drops.

Ordering, Shipping & Subscriptions

Plan your delivery, understand shipping timelines, and customize recurring honey deliveries that fit your pantry.

How fast do you ship orders?

Orders placed Monday through Friday ship within two business days via carbon-neutral carriers from our Northern California facility. Delivery typically takes two to four days on the West Coast and three to five days nationwide, and you will receive tracking information as soon as your label is created.

Add your favorite jars to the cart and we will keep you updated at every step.

What should I know about warm-weather shipping?

Raw honey is naturally shelf stable, but we insulate every parcel during extreme heat and ship early in the week to prevent weekend delays. If temperatures spike above 95 degrees, we include ice-free thermal liners so the honey arrives with its texture and enzymes intact.

How do subscriptions work?

Subscriptions run on your schedule with 30, 60, or 90 day delivery options. Each renewal is harvested to order, billed automatically on your scheduled date, and easy to skip, pause, or cancel anytime from your account dashboard.

Explore the subscription collection to build a recurring bundle that matches your honey habits.

Can I send NorCal Nectar as a gift?

Yes. We hand-pack gift orders with recyclable cushioning, include your handwritten message, and never include pricing slips in the box. Our limited-edition gift sets make it easy to share Northern California honey with family, clients, or wedding guests.

Pick the perfect present from our curated gift sets or build your own bundle in the shop.

Storing & Enjoying Your Honey

Keep every jar tasting its best and discover everyday ways to enjoy nutrient-dense raw honey.

What is the best way to store raw honey?

Keep jars sealed at room temperature in a dark cupboard between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Refrigeration is not necessary and can accelerate crystallization. Avoid direct sunlight or moisture so the honey maintains its smooth texture and complex aroma.

Visit our education section for more storage tips and honey care guides.

Why does my honey crystallize and how do I fix it?

Crystallization is a natural sign of raw honey because pollen and beneficial particles act as seed crystals. To gently liquefy, set the jar in a warm water bath below 110 degrees Fahrenheit and stir occasionally until smooth. Avoid microwaves or boiling water so the enzymes and aromatics stay intact.

How can I use NorCal Nectar honey every day?

Raw honey shines in herbal tea, smoothies, baked goods, cheese boards, marinades, and wellness tonics. Its layered floral notes pair with goat cheese, yogurt, roasted vegetables, and craft cocktails, and a spoonful offers quick energy before or after workouts without refined sugar.

Try our favorite recipes and pairing ideas on the NorCal Nectar blog.

Is raw honey safe for children or while pregnant?

Raw honey should never be given to infants under one year old. Older children and adults, including those who are pregnant, can enjoy it unless a medical professional advises otherwise. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have allergies or specific health concerns.

We share wellness guidelines and safety resources inside the education hub.

Bees, Sustainability & Community

Learn how we steward pollinators, collaborate with local farms, and keep our hives thriving year-round.

How do you support pollinator health?

We partner with regenerative farms, plant wildflower corridors, and keep mobile apiaries on pesticide-free land so our bees forage safely. Our team monitors hive vitality weekly, rotates comb to prevent disease pressure, and leaves ample honey behind to nourish every colony.

Explore our pollinator initiatives inside the education center.

Where are your hives located?

Our hives live in microclimates across Northern California, from Mendocino coastal meadows and redwood groves to Sierra foothill orchards and lavender farms. The diversity of nectar sources creates distinct flavor profiles while keeping the bees away from heavy industry and urban pollution.

Meet the beekeepers and explore each apiary story on the About page.

What standards guide your beekeeping practices?

We follow Certified Naturally Grown, Bee Better, and Animal Welfare Approved principles even when not formally certified. That means no synthetic miticides, no antibiotics inside the hive, careful queen breeding, and timed harvests that respect the bees natural rhythms.

Read more about our standards in the bee stewardship guides.

How can I stay connected with new releases and events?

Join our newsletter, follow our social channels, and check the blog for harvest reports, bee yard updates, and farmers market appearances. We love meeting our community in person and sharing how each season shapes the honey in your jar.

Stay tuned to the NorCal Nectar blog for the latest buzz.

Still need a hand from the hive?

If you cannot find the answer you need, our beekeeper team is happy to help with product advice, wholesale questions, custom gifting, or event support.