Well, hello there, y’all! It’s Susan Stewart here, owner of Local Nashville Honey, your go-to for all things local honey, Nashville jams, bee pollen, and honey sticks. I’ve got some bittersweet news, and then some incredibly sweet news to share with all my wonderful customers and friends in Donelson!

First, the bittersweet. We’ve heard that our dear neighbors, Mill Creek Mercantile, are closing their doors. It’s always a little sad to see a beloved local business wind down, and we’ve truly appreciated being a part of their community and having our products there for you all. They’ve been a wonderful presence in Donelson, and we wish them all the best in their next chapter.

Now for the truly exciting part! If you’ve been wondering where to find your favorite Local Nashville Honey products, worry no more! We’ve moved our main location just a few short yards away to the absolutely enchanting Troll House Cottage at 222 McGavock Pike! Can you believe it? It’s practically right next door, making it super convenient for all of you who’ve been loyal supporters.

And let me tell you, this isn’t just a move; it’s an upgrade! The Troll House Cottage is a truly magical place, and it’s going to make your shopping experience for local goodies even better. They have created such a cozy and inviting atmosphere, and I’m just thrilled to be a part of it.

What makes this move so exciting, you ask? Well, at The Troll House Cottage, you can still get all the pure, delicious Local Nashville Honey you love – from our varied sizes of clover and wildflower honey to our convenient honey sticks and beneficial bee pollen. And of course, your favorite Nashville Jams will be right there too, perfect for spreading on biscuits or toast!

But here’s the real buzz: The Troll House Cottage offers so much more! Imagine coming in, grabbing your jar of local sunshine, and then settling down with a delightful cup of freshly brewed tea or coffee. They have an amazing selection, and the aroma alone is heavenly. And let’s not forget their other “delights”! I’m talking about delicious pastries and other gourmet treats that will make your visit truly special. It’s the perfect spot to slow down, relax, and savor a little piece of Nashville.

We’re so much more than just a honey shop now; we’re part of a destination where you can enjoy a full, wonderful experience. It’s a place where you can stock up on your pantry essentials like our local honey and jams, and then treat yourself to a moment of pure bliss with a warm drink and a sweet treat.

So, while we’ll miss Mill Creek Mercantile, we are absolutely buzzing with excitement about this new chapter at The Troll House Cottage. Come on down to 222 McGavock Pike, grab your favorite Local Nashville Honey, and stay a while to enjoy the wonderful tea, coffee, and other delights this charming new home has to offer. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Warmly,

Susan Stewart

Owner, Local Nashville Honey

Your source for local honey, Nashville jams, bee pollen, and honey sticks.

As Susan Stewart, owner of Local Nashville Honey, I’m passionate about providing pure, authentic honey to our community. But I’m also keenly aware of the challenges consumers face when trying to find the real deal. The sad truth is, the honey market is rife with mislabeled and adulterated products. So, how can you be sure you’re getting genuine local honey? Let’s dive in.

When you’re at the farmers market or Browse a local shop, here are a few key indicators to look for:

Unfortunately, the honey industry has a dark side. Mislabeled and adulterated honey is a significant problem, not just for consumers but for legitimate beekeepers like myself.

At Local Nashville Honey, we believe in transparency and integrity. We work hard to bring you honey that is exactly what it claims to be: pure, raw, and local. By educating yourself and supporting local beekeepers, you’re not just getting a superior product; you’re also helping to combat fraud in the honey market and ensure the sustainability of beekeeping for generations to come. So, next time you’re craving that golden sweetness, remember these tips and choose wisely!

Alright, let’s pull back the curtain a little and share a sweet secret with you folks. When you pick up a jar of our very own Local Nashville Honey, you’re not just getting the fruits (or should I say, the nectar?) of our amazing hives right here in Donelson and Hermitage. You’re also often enjoying the golden goodness lovingly produced by our friends over at the esteemed Johnson’s Honey Farm in Goodlettsville!

Now, as I mentioned before, Johnson’s Honey Farm has a rich history here in the Nashville area. They’ve been buzzing along for years, establishing themselves as true stewards of the honeybee and producers of exceptional local honey. And let me tell you, their beekeeper, well, they’re a salt-of-the-earth, bee-whispering kind of individual. They’ve poured their heart and soul into understanding the intricate world of Apis mellifera and the unique floral tapestry of the Goodlettsville landscape.

The hives at Johnson’s Farm are a testament to their dedication. They’re meticulously cared for, ensuring the bees are healthy, happy, and thriving. These aren’t just boxes; they’re bustling communities, each with its own queen, its own workforce, diligently gathering nectar from the wildflowers, clover, and all the beautiful blossoms that paint the Goodlettsville countryside. The care and attention to detail in managing these hives truly shines through in the quality of their honey.

So, why do I believe Johnson’s Honey Farm produces some of the best local Nashville honey? Well, it comes down to a few key things that I deeply respect and admire as a fellow beekeeper:

Firstly, their legacy. They’ve been doing this for a long time, and that experience is invaluable. They’ve seen different seasons, different nectar flows, and they’ve honed their craft over years of working hand-in-hand with nature. That deep understanding translates into a consistently exceptional product.

Secondly, their location. Just like our honey here in Donelson and Hermitage carries the unique flavors of our local blooms, Johnson’s honey captures the distinct terroir of Goodlettsville. Their bees are foraging on a slightly different mix of flora, resulting in a honey that has its own beautiful and nuanced character. It’s a different, but equally delightful, taste of our Nashville region.

Thirdly, their commitment to quality. I’ve seen firsthand the care and dedication they put into their beekeeping practices. They prioritize the health and well-being of their bees, and that translates directly into the purity and flavor of their honey. There are no shortcuts taken; it’s all about respecting the natural process and bringing you honey in its most natural and delicious form.

Now, you might be wondering why we, Local Nashville Honey, partner with Johnson’s. It’s simple: we share the same values. We both believe in the power of local honey, the importance of supporting healthy bee populations, and the joy of bringing a truly exceptional product to our community. By working together, we can share even more of this liquid gold with you, our wonderful customers.

So, when you choose Local Nashville Honey, know that you’re often getting a taste of the best of both worlds – the unique flavors of Donelson and Hermitage from our hives, and the time-honored excellence of Johnson’s Honey Farm from up in Goodlettsville. We’re proud to partner with them because, quite simply, they are masters of their craft, and their honey is a testament to their passion and dedication. It’s truly some of the best local Nashville honey you can find, and we’re honored to share it with you.

Hi I’m Susan Stewart, owner of Local Nashville Honey, the source for local honey here in Donelson, Hermitage and Nashville Metro Area

Local Nashville Honey brings you pure, delicious honey made right here in Music City. Our bees buzz around local gardens and wildflowers, creating a unique flavor you won’t find anywhere else.

it’s the perfect way to sweeten up your morning tea, or add a little somethin’ somethin’ to your barbecue glaze.

And let me tell you, folks, honey from localnashvillehoney.com ain’t just tasty, it’s good for you too! Full of natural antioxidants and vitamins, it’s a healthy way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

So ditch the store-bought stuff and support local beekeepers! Head over to Mill Creek Mercantile or Troll House Cottage and get your jar of sunshine today.

Local Nashville Honey – A taste of home, made in Music City.  Local Nashville Honey.com

Disclaimer: This blog and podcast were generated using Gemini AI, a language model designed to provide informative and engaging content. However, AI models are not perfect, and there may be instances where the information presented is incorrect or incomplete. Please use your own judgment and discretion when evaluating the content.

Ah, hello there, friend! Susan Stewart here, from your very own Local Nashville Honey, nestled right here in Donelson and Hermitage. Let’s have a little heart-to-heart about something near and dear to my bees and my heart: the golden goodness of local honey versus that, well, other stuff you find lining the shelves of the big grocery chains.

Now, I know honey is honey, right? Sweet and sticky. But trust me, darlings, there’s a world of difference, and it all boils down to what those busy little bees are buzzing around and what we, as your local beekeepers, are committed to bringing you.

Think of our local honey as a sweet snapshot of our beautiful Tennessee landscape. Our bees are out there, diligently visiting the wildflowers blooming along the Stones River, the clover dotting our fields, and the vibrant blossoms in your very own gardens. They’re gathering nectar from plants that are native to our area, plants that your body is likely already familiar with.

And that, my friends, is where the magic truly happens. When you enjoy our local honey, you’re also getting trace amounts of local pollen. Many folks believe that this gentle exposure to local pollen can actually help your body build a natural resilience to seasonal sniffles and sneezes. It’s like a sweet, golden shield crafted right here in our backyard. While we can’t make any medical claims, generations have whispered about the soothing power of local honey, and it certainly makes sense, doesn’t it?

Now, let’s talk about that commercial, mass-produced honey you see in the big stores. Often, this honey comes from who-knows-where – sometimes even overseas. The bees might be visiting completely different types of flowers, and the honey often undergoes processing that can strip away some of its natural goodness, including those precious pollen grains. Think of it like a photograph that’s been overly filtered – the essence of the original is lost.

Furthermore, transparency is key for us here at Local Nashville Honey. You can often meet us at local farmers’ markets, see our hives (from a safe distance, of course!), and know exactly where your honey comes from. You’re supporting your neighbors, your local economy, and a sustainable practice that benefits our precious pollinators. With mass-produced honey, the journey from hive to shelf is often a mystery.

When you choose our local honey, you’re not just getting a sweetener; you’re getting a taste of our community, a touch of nature’s wisdom, and the dedication of folks right here in Donelson and Hermitage who care deeply about the health of our bees and the quality of our honey.

So next time you’re reaching for a jar of honey, I encourage you to think local. Taste the difference. Feel the connection to our land. Support your friendly neighborhood beekeepers. Your body – and our bees – will thank you for it. Come on down to the market sometime; I’d love to chat more and let you sample some of our liquid gold!

Hi I’m Susan Stewart, owner of Local Nashville Honey, the source for local honey here in Donelson, Hermitage and Nashville Metro Area

Local Nashville Honey brings you pure, delicious honey made right here in Music City. Our bees buzz around local gardens and wildflowers, creating a unique flavor you won’t find anywhere else.

it’s the perfect way to sweeten up your morning tea, or add a little somethin’ somethin’ to your barbecue glaze.

And let me tell you, folks, honey from localnashvillehoney.com ain’t just tasty, it’s good for you too! Full of natural antioxidants and vitamins, it’s a healthy way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

So ditch the store-bought stuff and support local beekeepers! Head over to Mill Creek Mercantile or Troll House Cottage and get your jar of sunshine today.

Local Nashville Honey – A taste of home, made in Music City.  Local Nashville Honey.com

Disclaimer: This blog and podcast were generated using Gemini AI, a language model designed to provide informative and engaging content. However, AI models are not perfect, and there may be instances where the information presented is incorrect or incomplete. Please use your own judgment and discretion when evaluating the content.

Hello everyone! Susan Stewart here, owner of your favorite local honey spot right here inside the wonderful Mill Creek Mercantile in Donelson. For years, Local Nashville Honey has been bringing you the purest, most delicious honey harvested right here in our beautiful Tennessee landscape. But today, I’m absolutely thrilled to announce a brand new addition to our shelves that’s sure to set your taste buds tingling: Local Nashville Honey’s  now stocks, Peach Habanero Jam made by the Nashville Jam Company. 

Nashville Jam Company worked hard behind the scenes, experimenting with the finest peaches and just the right amount of fiery habanero to create a jam that’s truly something special. This isn’t just your average fruit spread; it’s a harmonious blend of sweet sunshine and a gentle, lingering warmth that will elevate your meals and snacks to a whole new level.

So, what makes our Peach Habanero Jam so irresistible? Let me tell you!

A Symphony of Flavors:

Imagine the juicy sweetness of ripe, locally sourced peaches, bursting with their summery goodness. Now, picture that sweetness perfectly balanced by the vibrant, fruity heat of carefully selected habanero peppers. The initial taste is all about that delightful peach, followed by a subtle, building warmth that tantalizes your palate without overpowering it. It’s a flavor adventure in every spoonful!

Versatility is Key:

This jam is so much more than just a spread for your morning toast (though it’s absolutely fantastic on that too!). Get ready to discover its incredible versatility:

A Touch of Heat, Not a Blaze:

Now, I know some of you might be a little hesitant about the “habanero” part. Rest assured, we’ve carefully balanced the heat to provide a pleasant warmth that enhances the peach flavor without being overwhelmingly spicy. It’s a gentle kick that will leave you wanting more, not reaching for a glass of milk!

Come Visit Us!

I am so excited for you all to try our new Peach Habanero Jam! It’s a true labor of love, and I believe it perfectly captures the spirit of Local Nashville Honey – bringing you unique, high-quality products with a touch of local flavor.

Stop by Local Nashville Honey inside Mill Creek Mercantile in Donelson today to pick up a jar (or two!). It also makes a wonderful and unique gift for the food lovers in your life.

We can’t wait to hear what you think! Come on down and let your taste buds experience the delightful buzz of Local Nashville Honey’s Peach Habanero Jam!

Warmly,

Susan Stewart Owner, Local Nashville Honey Inside Mill Creek Mercantile, Donelson TN

Alright, y’all, let me tell you about a real treat we’re bringin’ to Mill Creek Mercantile, right here where we also house Local Nashville Honey. We’re so thrilled to announce we’re now carrying the absolutely delightful jams from Nashville Jam Company, straight from our neighbors in Berry Hill!

Now, for those of you who might not know, Nashville Jam Company isn’t just another jam maker. They’re a local gem, crafting small-batch, artisanal preserves with a passion that shines through in every spoonful. They’re tucked away in Berry Hill, and the dedication they put into sourcing the finest ingredients and using traditional methods is truly something special.

You know, there’s somethin’ magical about a jar of jam made with care. It’s more than just a spread; it’s a taste of home, a memory on a spoon. And that’s exactly what Nashville Jam Company delivers. They’re all about capturing the essence of local flavors, and let me tell you, they do it beautifully.

At Mill Creek Mercantile, we’re particularly excited to feature three of their standout flavors:

Bourbon Apple: Oh, this one’s a real winner! The warm, sweet apples perfectly complemented by a subtle hint of bourbon… it’s like a cozy hug in a jar. It’s perfect on toast, biscuits, or even as a glaze for pork.

Blackberry: You can just taste the summer sunshine in this jam. It’s bursting with the rich, tangy sweetness of ripe blackberries. It reminds me of pickin’ berries as a child.

Strawberry: A classic, done right. This strawberry jam is bright, vibrant, and packed with the unmistakable flavor of fresh strawberries. It’s pure, unadulterated goodness.

We chose these specific flavors because we know our customers appreciate quality and authenticity, just like we do at Local Nashville Honey. We believe in supporting our local artisans and bringing you the best that Nashville has to offer. And these jams? They’re the perfect complement to our honey, let me tell you.

Imagine, a warm biscuit, a dollop of our Local Nashville Honey, and a spoonful of Nashville Jam Company’s Bourbon Apple jam… pure heaven! Or a piece of freshly baked bread with a smear of the Blackberry jam. It’s a true taste of our community.

We invite you to come on down to Mill Creek Mercantile and experience the deliciousness for yourself. We’re proud to support Nashville Jam Company and share their wonderful creations with you. We’re sure you’ll love them as much as we do. And while you are here, don’t forget to get some of our Local Nashville Honey!

We’re all about bringing the best of Nashville to your table, and these jams are a perfect example of that. We can’t wait for you to try them!

Alright, y’all, Susan Stewart here, from Local Nashville Honey. You know me, I’m all about the sweet things in life, the things that make your tastebuds do a little happy dance. And let me tell you, I’ve found a new dance partner for my palate: the Blackberry, Apple Bourbon, and Strawberry jams from the Nashville Jam Company.

Now, I’ve always been a staunch believer in the power of good, local ingredients. That’s why my honey is pure, straight from our backyard hives. And when I tasted these jams, I knew they were made with that same kind of passion. You can just tell.

First off, that Blackberry Jam. Oh, mercy. It’s like summer in a jar. Deep, rich blackberry flavor, just bursting with sunshine. I like to spread it on a warm buttermilk biscuit, maybe with a dollop of our wildflower honey. It’s the perfect start to a Tennessee morning. Or, you know, a perfect afternoon snack. Who’s judging?

Then there’s the Apple Bourbon Jam. Now, this one’s got a little kick to it. That warm, smooth bourbon melds perfectly with the sweet apples. It’s got that cozy, fireside feel. I’ve been using it as a glaze for my pork chops, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. I even stirred a spoonful into my oatmeal this morning, and it was like a warm hug for my soul.

And don’t even get me started on the Strawberry Jam. It’s the kind of strawberry jam your grandma used to make, only better. It’s vibrant, fresh, and just plain delicious. I’ve been putting it on my toast, swirling it into my yogurt, and honestly, sometimes just eating it straight from the spoon. It’s just that good.

Now, here’s the best part: y’all can find all three of these delightful jams right here at Local Nashville Honey! That’s right, we’ve teamed up with the Nashville Jam Company to bring you these little jars of joy. I figured, why keep all this goodness to myself? We’re all about supporting local, and these folks are doing it right.

So, come on down to our little shop. Grab a jar of honey, and pick up some of these amazing jams. You can mix and match, create your own flavor combinations. Maybe a little honey with the apple bourbon on a cheese plate? Or a drizzle of honey over the strawberry jam on a slice of pound cake? The possibilities are endless!

We’re all about community here, and sharing the best of what Nashville has to offer. And these jams? They’re definitely some of the best. So, come on in, say hello, and let’s talk about all things sweet. I can’t wait to see what delicious creations y’all come up with!

Hi I’m Susan Stewart, owner of Local Nashville Honey, the source for local honey here in Donelson, Hermitage and Nashville Metro Area

Local Nashville Honey brings you pure, delicious honey made right here in Music City. Our bees buzz around local gardens and wildflowers, creating a unique flavor you won’t find anywhere else.

it’s the perfect way to sweeten up your morning tea, or add a little somethin’ somethin’ to your barbecue glaze.

And let me tell you, folks, honey from localnashvillehoney.com ain’t just tasty, it’s good for you too! Full of natural antioxidants and vitamins, it’s a healthy way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

So ditch the store-bought stuff and support local beekeepers! Head over to Mill Creek Mercantile or Troll House Cottage and get your jar of sunshine today.

Local Nashville Honey – A taste of home, made in Music City.  Local Nashville Honey.com

Disclaimer: This blog and podcast were generated using Gemini AI, a language model designed to provide informative and engaging content. However, AI models are not perfect, and there may be instances where the information presented is incorrect or incomplete. Please use your own judgment and discretion when evaluating the content.

Alright, y’all, Susan Stewart here, from LocalNashvilleHoney.com, and let me tell you, there’s nothin’ sweeter than a jar of wildflower honey straight from our Nashville hives. Folks ask me all the time, “Susan, how do those busy little bees make that golden goodness?” Well, pull up a chair and let’s have a chat about how our Nashville bees work their magic on our beautiful wildflowers.

First off, Nashville is just buzzin’ with wildflowers! We’ve got everything from vibrant purple coneflowers to sunny yellow goldenrods, and those bees, bless their hearts, they know just where to find ’em. When the sun hits those blooms, our ladies – worker bees, mind you – head out on their foraging flights. They’re like tiny, fuzzy delivery drivers, only their cargo is precious nectar.

Now, nectar ain’t honey yet. It’s mostly sugar water produced by the flowers to attract pollinators. When a bee lands on a flower, she uses her long tongue, called a proboscis, to slurp up that nectar and store it in a special pouch called a honey stomach. Think of it like a little internal canteen. As she visits flower after flower, her honey stomach fills up.

But here’s where the real magic happens. On the flight back to the hive, those bees add enzymes to the nectar. These enzymes start breaking down the complex sugars in the nectar into simpler sugars, like glucose and fructose. It’s like a pre-digestive process, if you will.

Once back at the hive, the forager bees pass the nectar off to the house bees. These industrious ladies take over, further processing the nectar. They spread it out in the honeycomb cells, which are those beautiful hexagonal wax structures you see in a hive. This increases the surface area, allowing the water in the nectar to evaporate.

Now, Nashville humidity can be a real bear, even for bees! So, they help the evaporation process along by fanning their wings, creating a little breeze within the hive. This reduces the moisture content of the nectar, thickening it and turning it into honey. When the honey reaches the right consistency – about 18% water – the house bees cap the honeycomb cells with a thin layer of beeswax. This seals the honey, preserving it for later.

That’s how our bees make wildflower honey, y’all! It’s a labor of love, a testament to their hard work and the bounty of our Nashville landscape. And because our bees are foraging on such a variety of wildflowers, our honey has a unique flavor profile that changes with the seasons. You might taste notes of clover, or maybe a hint of aster, depending on what’s blooming.

When you buy a jar of Local Nashville Honey, you’re not just getting a sweet treat. You’re getting a taste of Nashville’s natural beauty, handcrafted by our amazing bees. You’re supporting local beekeepers, and you’re helping to keep our pollinators healthy. And let me tell you, that’s something worth buzzin’ about! So, come on down to LocalNashvilleHoney.com, or find us at your local farmers market, and grab yourself a jar of sunshine. You won’t regret it!

Hey y’all, Susan Stewart here, owner of Local Nashville Honey, your friendly neighborhood honey store right here in Donelson and Nashville! We get asked all the time how our clover honey gets made, and it’s a question I absolutely love answering. It’s a fascinating process, and it all starts with our amazing Nashville honeybees.

Now, you might think all honey is created equal, but that’s just not the case. Just like wine, honey takes on the flavor of the flowers the bees visit. Here in Nashville, we’re blessed with an abundance of beautiful clover fields, and that’s what gives our clover honey its signature light, sweet, and delicate taste. It’s the taste of a Nashville summer!

So, how does it go from those pretty white clover blossoms to the golden goodness in our jars? Well, it’s a team effort, let me tell you. Thousands of worker bees, all females, are out there buzzing around, collecting nectar. Think of them as tiny delivery trucks, each one making countless trips back and forth to the hive.

When a worker bee finds a patch of clover, she uses her long tongue, called a proboscis, to sip up the nectar. This nectar is stored in a special “honey sac” in her stomach. Back at the hive, she regurgitates the nectar and passes it along to other worker bees. This process is repeated several times, and it’s actually a really important step. During this transfer, enzymes in the bees’ saliva break down the complex sugars in the nectar into simpler sugars, like glucose and fructose. This is what makes honey easier to digest than regular sugar.

Once the nectar has been properly processed, the bees deposit it into honeycomb cells. These are the hexagonal wax structures you see inside a beehive. At this point, the honey is still pretty watery. So, the bees fan their wings to create airflow within the hive. This helps evaporate the excess water and thicken the honey. It’s like a tiny bee-powered dehumidifier!

When the honey reaches the perfect consistency – usually around 18% moisture – the bees seal the honeycomb cell with a thin layer of beeswax. This is their way of saying, “This honey is ready!” It’s like nature’s perfect little storage container.

Now, this is where we come in. Our beekeepers carefully harvest the honeycombs, making sure to leave plenty for the bees to sustain themselves through the winter. We then extract the honey from the combs using a gentle process that doesn’t harm the bees or compromise the quality of the honey. We’re committed to sustainable beekeeping practices, because happy bees make delicious honey!

Finally, the honey is filtered to remove any bits of wax or pollen, and then it’s bottled and ready for you to enjoy! From blossom to bottle, it’s a remarkable journey, and we’re so proud to bring you this taste of Nashville.

So, next time you’re enjoying a drizzle of our clover honey on your toast, remember the amazing journey it took, from the hardworking bees in our local clover fields to your table. And come on down to Local Nashville Honey in Donelson! We’d love to chat more about bees, honey, and all things sweet. We’ve even got honey tastings! Y’all come see us!

Here in Nashville, we’re lucky to have a beautiful, diverse landscape that supports a thriving honeybee population. But how exactly do these busy little creatures turn flower nectar into the sweet, golden honey we love? Let’s take a closer look at the fascinating process!

Step 1: Foraging for Nectar

Spring: Clover, wildflowers, fruit tree blossoms

Step 2: Back to the Hive

Step 3: Enzyme Action

Step 4: Evaporation

Step 5: Capping the Honeycomb

Step 6: Harvesting the Honey

Step 7: Bottling and Enjoying

The Flavor of Nashville

More Than Just a Sweet Treat

Support Your Local Bees