Start a Sweet New Year with Raw Honey

Sep 10, 2025 by Chef David

By Chef David [Updated September 2025]

Honey is universally symbolic of a sweet New Year, traditionally eaten before holiday meals. An alternative connection to Rosh Hashana is the dual properties of bees; they can provide sweetness or a powerful sting. This sweetener dates back to ancient times; honey was even found in the tombs of pharaohs, as it was thought to bring immortality. This idea is reinforced by the fact that honey never really spoils (still be careful and follow the expiration dates on the bottles).

Consider trying raw, unfiltered kosher honey from I Heart Bees and Pure Southern Honey, both certified by the OU, for a pure, sweet new year.

Not All Honey is Alike

Not all honey is pure. When you read the ingredients of unfiltered honey, it is 100% honey with nothing added or taken away. Imposters may contain added corn syrup or other additives.

Raw honey is not pasteurized. Pasteurization heats honey to high temperatures to make it easier to bottle and to delay crystallization. But the heat kills the yeast, vitamins, nutrients, antioxidants, and enzymes. Raw honey is minimally processed; it is not heated above temperatures one would normally find in a hive, thereby retaining its nutrition.

It is strained rather than filtered, removing debris and allowing pollen to remain.

Health Benefits

Honey can be used as a cough suppressant or for soothing sore throats. Growing up, I remember fighting colds by drinking tea with honey. Honey should not be given to children under one because it can contain bacteria that can cause botulism. Topical uses for honey include treating acne, burns, and rashes, even on pets. Some studies link honey to reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of heart disease.

Pure Southern Honey

Pure Southern Honey, a family business located in South Georgia, produces raw, unfiltered honey from a range of floral sources that are native to the Southeast, predominantly Gallberry with some Tupelo, Blackgum, and Palmetto flowers. Gallberry is an evergreen holly shrub known for its dark, spineless leaves, black berries (referred to as the inkberry bush), which are favored by honeybees. Gallberry honey is one of the South’s best-kept secrets because it crystallizes slowly.

We sampled Pure Southern Honey; it was dark amber in color, rich, and delicious. We are looking forward to having more of it with our apples.

What we liked best was their packaging, rustic bag, covering a glass bottle, and including a wooden honey spoon. Pure Southern Honey is ideal for Rosh Hashana gifting and can be ordered online.

I Heart Bees

I Heart Bees honey comes from Florida, with a variety of varieties linked to the location and featuring what is in blossom that season. The honey’s color and flavor vary based on the nectar collected by the bees. The flavor differs depending on location and the flowers the bees pollinate. By controlling their environment, their beekeepers produce interesting flavor profiles. Darker honey has a more robust flavor that pairs well with barbecue, while lighter honey is milder.

Ginger, Florida Allergy, Florida Spring, Florida Summer, Florida Fall, Real Strawberry

Their offerings include Florida Allergy, Florida Spring with Orange Blossom presents citrus overtones, and Florida Summer, described as sweet and buttery (Gary Hinkle, co-founder’s favorite flavor). They also produce Strawberry Honey and Real Ginger, which blend organic ingredients into summer honey. Our favorite is Florida Fall, which has spicy overtones from Brazilian pepper, which blooms in the Fall.

I Heart Bees packaging is BPA-free, making it easy to use and store. These plastic containers fit easily in my spice cabinet, with a resealable pouring spout, a design that lets you add honey one-handed.

I Heart Bees can be purchased online, in select stores, or call them directly at 407-616-4561

Following His Passion

I Heart Bees, a family-run business, is the culmination of a dream that began when Gary Hinkle was eleven years old and started keeping bees. He returned to his passion after a 25-year corporate career, applying his business acumen to build I Heart Bees with his wife, because ‘everyone should live life to the fullest.’

Put the Honey Bear Aside this Year

Raw honey should be kept in a cabinet or pantry that stays relatively cool, out of direct sunlight. Discover the greatness of honey, and experience the wide range of full-bodied, distinctive, and delicious tastes.

I Heart Bees lets you select the flavor best suited to match your meal. I added Ginger Honey to my stir-fry, and it hit the mark. I Heart Bees honey will be a conversation starter, elevating honey beyond the traditional dipping of the apple. Pure Southern Honey comes gifting-ready, attractive for sending or bringing along to elevate your Rosh Hashanah table. The delicious Honey comes in an attractive package.

This year, put aside the honey bear, make way for the mature and complex flavors of I Heart Bees honey and Pure Southern Honey. This honey is un-bee-lievably good!

We wish you a sweet new year! And happy dipping.