2024-12.31 WELCOME HOME to our good news
WE ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS! WE SURVIVED HURRICANE HELENE & THE FRENCH BROAD RIVER FLOOD
Initially we need cash flow. For the first two weeks of January, we are focused on our local farmers markets & restocking Nashville area value-added producers & shops. Then we will open our online store. It took me ten years to build our small honey distribution business, it will take a few weeks to get all the parts working again. Patience, please.
On September 26, 2024 Hurricane Helene caused the French Broad River to crest at 22ft which flooded the surrounding mountain communities for the first time. Our bottling facility and warehouse were flooded. To Gary Strange's surprise, his long time Tennessee Depart of Agriculture agent stopped by a week later to inspect the damage. He advised Gary on how to confront the cleanup and how to sterilize the facility.
On December 13, our bottling facility passed the post-flood inspection provided by the Tennessee Dept. of Agriculture. Amazingly, Gary Strange and his crew were ready for the inspection in 9 weeks.
On December 30, we received word from the Tennessee Food Safety Program Director, that our honey samples collected by the Gary's agriculture agent for the TN Agriculture Lab for Technical Services. Our honey passed all of tests for honey flood contaminants. Our honey is as pure and delicious as ever.
Bee assured that a great deal of honey was lost in the flood. Like any good USDA farmer, after a weather disaster you and your agent decide what is safe and what is not. The safe honey is tested for moisture content, bacteria, and heavy metals. All the honey in glass jars, the empty glass jars, and labels are a loss. It's good to remember the next harvest starts in April.
We lost 100 hives, but before the flood we had approximately 1400 hives. In the spring, crowded hives are split into two hives, so we will recover that particular loss. Bees are not like cattle; the majority of our hives were up in the mountains away from the worst of the flooding. Yards of hives are on private property, where the wild flower nectar crops grow. On Sept. 26, there was still 4-6 weeks of pollen and nectar flow in the forest, so the bees were fine. The majority of the hives are near stands of trees and grouped on pallets to protect them from storms. Gary and the crew work the hives in regular rounds during the harvest season, before Helene the colonies were healthy and active. It’s in their nature to remain in the hive during a storm and they instinctively prepare for the winter. In the last weeks, Gary and the crew have checked all the hives and they are doing well.
So mother nature gave us a run for our honey money. Our amazing crew in Del Rio worked with dedication. Gary proved once again that he knows every inch of that warehouse. Most importantly, only a Master Beekeeper knows how to ensure the survival of 1300 beehives in a hurricane. Bravo. Mr. Strange, our hats are off to you. Carol Hagen, Honey Artisan & Beekeeper & Source of amazing honey from STRANGE HONEY FARM.
WE ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS! WE SURVIVED HURRICANE HELENE & THE FRENCH BROAD RIVER FLOOD
Initially we need cash flow. For the first two weeks of January, we are focused on our local farmers markets & restocking Nashville area value-added producers & shops. Then we will open our online store. It took me ten years to build our small honey distribution business, it will take a few weeks to get all the parts working again. Patience, please.
On September 26, 2024 Hurricane Helene caused the French Broad River to crest at 22ft which flooded the surrounding mountain communities for the first time. Our bottling facility and warehouse were flooded. To Gary Strange's surprise, his long time Tennessee Depart of Agriculture agent stopped by a week later to inspect the damage. He advised Gary on how to confront the cleanup and how to sterilize the facility.
On December 13, our bottling facility passed the post-flood inspection provided by the Tennessee Dept. of Agriculture. Amazingly, Gary Strange and his crew were ready for the inspection in 9 weeks.
On December 30, we received word from the Tennessee Food Safety Program Director, that our honey samples collected by the Gary's agriculture agent for the TN Agriculture Lab for Technical Services. Our honey passed all of tests for honey flood contaminants. Our honey is as pure and delicious as ever.
Bee assured that a great deal of honey was lost in the flood. Like any good USDA farmer, after a weather disaster you and your agent decide what is safe and what is not. The safe honey is tested for moisture content, bacteria, and heavy metals. All the honey in glass jars, the empty glass jars, and labels are a loss. It's good to remember the next harvest starts in April.
We lost 100 hives, but before the flood we had approximately 1400 hives. In the spring, crowded hives are split into two hives, so we will recover that particular loss. Bees are not like cattle; the majority of our hives were up in the mountains away from the worst of the flooding. Yards of hives are on private property, where the wild flower nectar crops grow. On Sept. 26, there was still 4-6 weeks of pollen and nectar flow in the forest, so the bees were fine. The majority of the hives are near stands of trees and grouped on pallets to protect them from storms. Gary and the crew work the hives in regular rounds during the harvest season, before Helene the colonies were healthy and active. It’s in their nature to remain in the hive during a storm and they instinctively prepare for the winter. In the last weeks, Gary and the crew have checked all the hives and they are doing well.
So mother nature gave us a run for our honey money. Our amazing crew in Del Rio worked with dedication. Gary proved once again that he knows every inch of that warehouse. Most importantly, only a Master Beekeeper knows how to ensure the survival of 1300 beehives in a hurricane. Bravo. Mr. Strange, our hats are off to you. Carol Hagen, Honey Artisan & Beekeeper & Source of amazing honey from STRANGE HONEY FARM.
Nashville Farmers Market - Since 2015
900 Rosa Parks Blvd., Nashville, TN 37208
Shed 1, Booth 215
Fri 10am - 3pm
Sat 9am - 4pm
Sun 10am - 3pm
Richland Park Farmers Market - Since 2013
4711 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209
Sat 9am - 12pm
Link to HONEY IN YOUR NASHVILLE NEIGHBORHOODS
@tnartisanhoney for current info
FOR HONEY RETAIL & WHOLESALE
PURCHASE & SHIP & DELIVERY
Unsure what you want? Scroll down.
900 Rosa Parks Blvd., Nashville, TN 37208
Shed 1, Booth 215
Fri 10am - 3pm
Sat 9am - 4pm
Sun 10am - 3pm
Richland Park Farmers Market - Since 2013
4711 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209
Sat 9am - 12pm
Link to HONEY IN YOUR NASHVILLE NEIGHBORHOODS
@tnartisanhoney for current info
FOR HONEY RETAIL & WHOLESALE
PURCHASE & SHIP & DELIVERY
Unsure what you want? Scroll down.
ABOUT US AND WHAT WE DO
GARY STRANGE started his apiary in 1983 with 100 hives in Del Rio, TN. Today, Gary and his crew care for 1400 natural hives and harvest pure, raw honey. Strange Honey Farm has been registered with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture for 25 years.
Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, Del Rio sits along the French Broad River in the Tennessee Cherokee National Forest about 240 miles northeast of Nashville. Fortunately, the mountains are not conducive to industry or commercial farming and pesticide spraying. Located in ZONE 7, our honey helps people across Tennessee with seasonal allergies. This pristine environment is a beekeeper's dream come true: it provides a full season of nectar and pollen for healthy bees and in turn, a significant harvest of delicious honey. The Strange Honey Farm harvests enough honey April-September to last through the winter months supplying 100% PURE TENNESSEE MOUNTAIN HONEY year round.
Gary Strange owns and operates the largest natural apiary in the state of TN using natural bee management techniques. No sugar is fed to the bees at any time. When there is a summer drought, Gary feeds the Strange Honey Farm bees their own honey harvest to keep them healthy. He uses essential oil of Thyme in the very early spring for varroa mite control. The fall harvest is September- early October. Gary ensures the bees have time to harvest fall nectar and pollen for the winter months. He will check hives on warmer days to see if the colonies need honey harvest, while French Broad River provides water year round.
Strange Honey Farm does not buy honey from other beekeepers. Honey is not heated or ultra-filtered. The farm is subjected to unannounced TN State Department of Agriculture farm inspections and FDA honey analysis.
CAROL HAGEN is the proprietor of Queen Bee Pollinators dba Tennessee Artisan Honey and the Nashville area distributor for Strange Honey Farm. A lifelong advocate of sustainability and natural farming, Carol strongly believes happy, healthy bees produce the best honey. Tennessee Artisan Honey is pleased to offer pure, raw honey from naturally managed mountain bee hives.
________________________________________________
STRANGE HONEY FARM PRODUCT LINE
STRANGE HONEY FARM harvests three distinct types of honey: Dark Wildflower, Sourwood and Tennessee Mountain. Our honey is lightly filtered so the naturally occurring pollen remains a significant feature.
HONEY IS SOLD BY WEIGHT rather than volume and is heavier than water, which is the standard for "fluid ounces". However, the US Food & Drug Administration requires net weight of food products be recorded in pounds/ounces/grams. As a general rule, honey weighs 12lbs per gallon. The density, water content, purity, and the variety of honey are all factors that can make minor changes to the density of honey and in turn, can influence the weight of honey per gallon. An in depth explanation on honey weight can be found at this link HOW MUCH DOES A GALLON OF HONEY WEIGH It's a lengthy article but answers all of the questions we are frequently asked.
GARY STRANGE started his apiary in 1983 with 100 hives in Del Rio, TN. Today, Gary and his crew care for 1400 natural hives and harvest pure, raw honey. Strange Honey Farm has been registered with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture for 25 years.
Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, Del Rio sits along the French Broad River in the Tennessee Cherokee National Forest about 240 miles northeast of Nashville. Fortunately, the mountains are not conducive to industry or commercial farming and pesticide spraying. Located in ZONE 7, our honey helps people across Tennessee with seasonal allergies. This pristine environment is a beekeeper's dream come true: it provides a full season of nectar and pollen for healthy bees and in turn, a significant harvest of delicious honey. The Strange Honey Farm harvests enough honey April-September to last through the winter months supplying 100% PURE TENNESSEE MOUNTAIN HONEY year round.
Gary Strange owns and operates the largest natural apiary in the state of TN using natural bee management techniques. No sugar is fed to the bees at any time. When there is a summer drought, Gary feeds the Strange Honey Farm bees their own honey harvest to keep them healthy. He uses essential oil of Thyme in the very early spring for varroa mite control. The fall harvest is September- early October. Gary ensures the bees have time to harvest fall nectar and pollen for the winter months. He will check hives on warmer days to see if the colonies need honey harvest, while French Broad River provides water year round.
Strange Honey Farm does not buy honey from other beekeepers. Honey is not heated or ultra-filtered. The farm is subjected to unannounced TN State Department of Agriculture farm inspections and FDA honey analysis.
CAROL HAGEN is the proprietor of Queen Bee Pollinators dba Tennessee Artisan Honey and the Nashville area distributor for Strange Honey Farm. A lifelong advocate of sustainability and natural farming, Carol strongly believes happy, healthy bees produce the best honey. Tennessee Artisan Honey is pleased to offer pure, raw honey from naturally managed mountain bee hives.
________________________________________________
STRANGE HONEY FARM PRODUCT LINE
STRANGE HONEY FARM harvests three distinct types of honey: Dark Wildflower, Sourwood and Tennessee Mountain. Our honey is lightly filtered so the naturally occurring pollen remains a significant feature.
HONEY IS SOLD BY WEIGHT rather than volume and is heavier than water, which is the standard for "fluid ounces". However, the US Food & Drug Administration requires net weight of food products be recorded in pounds/ounces/grams. As a general rule, honey weighs 12lbs per gallon. The density, water content, purity, and the variety of honey are all factors that can make minor changes to the density of honey and in turn, can influence the weight of honey per gallon. An in depth explanation on honey weight can be found at this link HOW MUCH DOES A GALLON OF HONEY WEIGH It's a lengthy article but answers all of the questions we are frequently asked.
DARK WILDFLOWER HONEY
This dark satin honey has a rich caramel flavor. Dark Wildflower honey stays in the hive until the end of September so the flavor reflects a mixture of tree, shrub and flower nectar. Dark Wildflower honey oxidizes in the hive; this increases the mineral and vitamin content; it also has a full spectrum of pollen. Many people take a tablespoon of this honey twice daily as a natural allergy remedy.
RETAIL RAW HONEY
$13 16oz = 1 lb @ $13 per lb
$19 36oz = 2.25 lbs @ $8.44 per lb
$34 96oz = 6lbs @ $5.66 per lb
USES: Dark Wildflower is a perfect complement to coffee, smoothies, oatmeal or yogurt. Drizzle it over fresh fruit or cheese. It is an excellent baker’s choice for pies, cobblers and artisan breads. Chefs may consider this rich honey for barbecue sauces, sweet & sour glazes and marinades.
SOURWOOD HONEY
An award winning culinary honey, this single source honey is known for it's light, buttery flavor, and mild hint of anise. The origin is a majestic, indigenous Sourwood tree which was named by Appalachian Trail pioneers for it's tart edible leaves. Only experienced beekeepers with hundreds of hives and access to mature forests in high elevations are able to harvest a large supply of Sourwood honey. We sell Sourwood year round to restaurants, brewers, shops and farmers market families.
RETAIL RAW HONEY
$13 16oz = 1 lb @ $13 per lb
$19 36oz = 2.25 lbs @ $8.44 per lb
$34 96oz = 6lbs @ $5.66 per lb
USES: Ideal for savory dishes – fish, meat or poultry glazes and sauces. An interesting addition to bakery goods. Pairs beautifully with Cornish hen, salmon, charcuterie cheeses, fresh breads and fresh or dried fruits.
TENNESSEE MOUNTAIN HONEY
A summer wildflower honey with a light floral flavor and copper color. This honey is a fine mixture of early blooming and summer trees, bushes and wildflowers; it has a seasonal spectrum of pollen. Many people take a tablespoon of this honey twice daily as a natural allergy remedy.
RETAIL RAW HONEY
$13 16oz = 1 lb @ $13 per lb
$19 36oz = 2.25 lbs @ $8.44 per lb
$34 96oz = 6lbs @ $5.66 per lb
USES: A perfect alternative to sugar, Tennessee Mountain is sweeter than our Sourwood and Dark Wildflower. This honey is ideal in dessert dishes, hot and iced tea, hot cereal, and on pancakes and for dipping sauces.