Frequently asked questions
Have questions about our products, shipping, or how we care for our bees? Find answers to common inquiries here or contact us directly for more information.
My honey solidified, can I fix it?
Absolutely! Crystallization is completely natural and is actually a sign that your honey is pure and minimally processed. It hasn't gone bad, and it's still perfectly safe to eat.
To return your honey to a liquid state:
- Place the sealed jar in a bowl or pot of warm water (35–40°C / 95–104°F).
- Let it sit for 30–60 minutes, replacing the water if it cools.
- Stir occasionally if possible to help the crystals dissolve.
Avoid:
- Boiling water or high heat, as it can damage the honey's natural enzymes, aroma, and flavour.
- Microwaving, which can create hot spots and overheat the honey.
Some varieties of honey naturally crystallize faster than others. New Brunswick wildflower honey, especially if it contains nectar from plants like goldenrod or clover, may crystallize relatively quickly.
What makes your honey "raw"?
Our honey is harvested straight from the hive and only minimally filtered to remove small pieces of wax and other natural debris. It is never pasteurized or heavily processed, helping preserve its natural enzymes, pollen, antioxidants, and rich flavour. The result is pure, wholesome honey—just as the bees made it.
How should I store my honey?
Store your honey in a tightly sealed container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. There's no need to refrigerate it—refrigeration can cause honey to crystallize more quickly. If your honey does crystallize, simply place the jar in warm water until it returns to a liquid state.
Do your bees pollinate local crops?
Yes! Our bees play an important role in supporting local agriculture. Each year, we proudly provide pollination services for blueberry fields in New Brunswick, helping support one of our region's important agricultural industries. After blueberry pollination, our colonies return to fields and natural forage areas around the Miramichi region for the summer months, where they gather nectar from a variety of wildflowers to produce our unique local honey.
Is your honey organic?
Our honey is produced using natural beekeeping practices, but it is not certified organic. Because bees forage over several kilometers, it's not possible to control every flower they visit, so we don't market our honey as organic.
Are your bees treated with chemicals?
We take the health of our bees very seriously and follow responsible beekeeping practices to keep our colonies strong and productive. Like all livestock, honey bees can face natural health challenges, including pests and diseases, and we use approved treatments only when necessary and according to recommended guidelines.
Any treatments are carefully timed and only applied when the hive is not producing honey intended for our customers' consumption. This allows us to protect the health of our bees while maintaining the purity and quality of the honey we harvest.
Our focus is on keeping healthy bees and producing pure, high-quality honey that our customers can feel confident enjoying.
Do you sell beeswax or other hive products?
Yes! In addition to our pure raw honey, we offer a small selection of products made from the natural gifts of the hive. Our beeswax is carefully collected and rendered from our own colonies and can be used for candles, wood finishes, cosmetics, and other natural products.
As our apiary continues to grow, we plan to expand our selection of hive products and offer more unique items that showcase the many benefits of the honey bee.
Do you attend farmers' markets or local events?
Yes! We enjoy connecting with our customers and sharing the story behind our bees and honey. We attend select farmers' markets and local events during the fall season leading up to Christmas, where you can meet us, learn more about our beekeeping journey, and purchase our pure raw New Brunswick honey and other hive products.
Follow along with us for updates on upcoming events and where you can find us throughout the holiday season!
What do bees do all winter?
During the winter months, honey bees stay inside their hive and form a tight cluster to keep warm. They consume the honey they collected during the warmer months and slowly move through their stored food supply as they maintain the temperature needed for the colony to survive.
The queen reduces her egg laying during the coldest months, while the worker bees focus on keeping the colony warm and protecting their resources. As temperatures begin to rise in early spring, the bees become more active, the queen begins laying more eggs, and the colony prepares for another season of growth and honey production.
Connect with Chi Bees
Miramichi, New Brunswick, Canada
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Contact us
Text/Phone: (506)251-9549