National Honey Month

National Honey Month is observed every September to celebrate honey, beekeeping, and the important work of honey bees. Honey is used in desserts, drinks, sauces, marinades, baked goods, and many everyday recipes. The month is also a good time to learn more about beekeepers, pollinators, and the role bees play in agriculture and ecosystems.

History of National Honey Month

National Honey Month was initiated by the National Honey Board in 1989 to promote honey, support the beekeeping industry, and share consumer information. September was chosen because it is an important time for many beekeepers in the United States, as the honey collection season often comes to an end and bees begin preparing their hives for winter.

Honey itself has been valued for thousands of years as a natural sweetener and food ingredient. Different cultures have used it in cooking, drinks, preservation, traditional remedies, and ceremonial foods. Today, honey remains popular because of its flavor, variety, and connection to beekeeping and pollinator health.

Interesting Facts About National Honey Month

• A single worker honey bee produces only about 1/12 of a teaspoon of honey in her lifetime.
• Bees may visit more than two million flowers to make one pound of honey.
• The color, flavor, and aroma of honey depend on the flowers and plants that provided the nectar.
• Common honey varieties include clover, wildflower, buckwheat, orange blossom, alfalfa, and tupelo.
• Honey should not be given to children under 1 year old because of the risk of infant botulism.
• Honey bees are important pollinators for many crops, including fruits, nuts, and vegetables.

How to Take Part in National Honey Month

National Honey Month can be celebrated by trying different kinds of honey and using them in recipes. You can add honey to tea, yogurt, toast, salad dressings, marinades, muffins, baklava, granola, or roasted vegetables. A small honey tasting with friends or family is also a simple way to compare flavors from different floral sources.

You can also support local beekeepers by buying honey from trusted farms, farmers markets, or local producers. If you want to learn more, visit an apiary, read about pollinator-friendly gardening, plant flowers that support bees, or share a favorite honey recipe using the hashtag #NationalHoneyMonth.

When Is National Honey Month in 2026?

National Honey Month is observed annually throughout September, beginning on September 1.

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