We’ve purchased Desert Creek Honey since 2008 to help with Kelly’s allergies. Plus local natural honey is just yum for cooking.
I’ve written many times about how much we love to tour factories – if there’s a chance to see how something is made, we are THERE. I’m sure part of my fascination with watch-it-made stems from attending All-University Open House at Kansas State University since I was a child. Grain grinding? Cheese curds? Tour a nuclear reactor? Yes, please.
Anyway.
We were thrilled to finally have a chance to tour Desert Creek Honey last month. Our big takeaway? Honey making is actually a pretty simple matter – though it’s by no means fast or easy.
These are bee hives.
The machinery spins the trays, quickly removing the honey.
Super cool tray, right?
The honey on the comb is really sweet and really amazing.
The honey is warmed – not heated – to about 90F to allow it to stay liquid.
Bottling lines are always interesting. Who was the first person who dreamed up a machine to bottle goods and then made it?
I never really understood what creamed honey was – it’s just raw honey whipped with honey that’s crystalized. Either way, we love it on our toast as part of our pre-long training run dinners.
I personally can’t get behind bee pollen. It tastes fishy to me. I know that’s weird, but it’s just the way it is. So I avoid it.
Unfortunately if you’re in North Texas and didn’t make it to this tour, you’re out of luck. The owners say they may open up once a year for a tour. But since we’ve been customers for 8 years and this was the first open house, I wouldn’t hold my breath.
Very cool! I’m also fascinated with factories! If I’m skipping through channels and come across “How It’s Made” I always stop and watch. Thanks for sharing!