Hinton's Honey - "just a little snack"
- Aug 30, 2016
- 2 min read
I love honey so much my family refers to me as an ole Pooh Bear. I've often thought it would be fun to have my own honey producing hives, just as a hobby. I kept putting it off since I did not have a safe place that I could keep the hives, that is, until four years ago I bought a camp in Fenton, LA. Then I decided that I already have too many hobbies and could not dedicate the time for something else. It turned out that God had other plans. Shortly after I made that decision the bees found me!! A swarm of feral bees built a residence inside the wall of my camp. With the help of "the bee man" we removed the swarm from the camp to a little white box hive. Being a beekeeper was meant to bee.
I encountered hardships the first year, but through perseverance, education and a lot of help from new friends (other beekeepers) and by the second year I had established 5 young hives. The bees went to work, and one year later the hives generated 28 gallons of sweet natural raw honey!! I harvested close to 60 lbs per hive with plenty left in the hive for them to enjoy this winter. I probably averaged one sting per gallon due to my inexperience. I was stung on my chin through my veil twice in the same day. Needless to say, my chin became a "Jay Leno" chin for 3 days. They are very protective. Ha-ha!!
I have eight hives now which includes a new swarm I captured at Graywood. I'm planning on a total of twelve hives. It's beecoming addictive :-). My middle daughter designed a label, logo and slogan "just a little snack" for my hobby. In fact when a young boy was recently scolded by his mom while dipping crackers into the honey jar; he replied, "it's ok, Mom. It's just a little snack".
Ask me about my bees, you'll get an earful!
Mauria Madu is one choice for those seeking pure honey. Honey itself has long been known to have many health benefits. Furthermore, honey is easy to consume in a variety of ways, making it remain popular today.