Why Is Real UK Honey More Expensive? The Unique Story of Mêl Llŷn

If you’ve ever compared the price of supermarket honey with a jar of real, raw honey from a local producer, you’ll have noticed a significant difference. But what’s behind the higher cost—and what makes honey from the Llŷn Peninsula, like ours at Mêl Llŷn, truly special?

The True Cost of Genuine, Raw Honey

Some supermarket honey is imported, heavily processed, and often blended from multiple sources. This enables mass production and low prices, but it comes at the expense of quality, traceability, and local impact. Alarmingly, some honey from large importers has been found to be adulterated—diluted with syrups or other additives—so what’s on the label isn’t always what’s in the jar.

At Mêl Llŷn, we do not import honey. All our honey is produced from our own hives on the Llŷn Peninsula in North Wales. Our raw Welsh honey is pure, unblended (for our premium seasonal range), and completely traceable from hive to jar, so you can trust what you’re buying.

Why Is Pure Welsh Honey More Expensive?

1. Limited Supply and Unique Local Conditions
Our honey production relies on the weather, local wildflowers, and the health of our bees. The Llŷn Peninsula’s unique micro-climate and diverse flora mean our bees produce less honey than those in regions with large monocultures. Each jar of our Welsh wildflower honey is a true reflection of the season and landscape, making it genuinely unique and in limited supply.

2. Sustainable Beekeeping
We always put the wellbeing of our bees first, ensuring we never over-harvest and always leave enough honey for the colony. This sustainable approach supports pollination across North Wales, but it also means our yields are naturally lower—another reason why our honey is a premium product.

3. Minimal Processing for Maximum Flavour
Our honey is raw, unpasteurised, and minimally filtered, preserving natural enzymes, pollen, and the distinctive flavour profile that sets real Welsh honey apart from mass-produced alternatives. No two batches are ever exactly the same.

4. Quality Assurance and Compliance
We adhere to strict UK food safety and labelling regulations, investing in purpose-built processing facilities and rigorous quality control. Our eco-friendly packaging further reflects our commitment to sustainability.

5. Supporting Rural Welsh Communities
Every purchase from Mêl Llŷn supports a small, family-run business and helps sustain rural livelihoods in Wales. We’re proud to play our part in environmental stewardship and the local economy.

Why Are We Out of Stock?

Due to the limited supply of our pure Welsh honey and the growing demand for genuine, unblended honey, our stock does sell out quickly. We’re currently in a steady growth period, expanding our number of hives and investing in our processing facilities to increase capacity—without ever compromising on quality or sustainability.

If our honey is out of stock, it’s because we refuse to compromise on our values or dilute our product. We only sell what we can produce naturally, so every jar remains a true taste of the Llŷn Peninsula.

What Makes Mêl Llŷn Honey Unique?

• Premium, Seasonal Honey: Our current range of wildflower and heather blend honeys is unblended, so you enjoy the pure character of each harvest.

• Distinctive Flavour: Our bees forage on wildflowers, coastal herbs, and seasonal blooms, creating honey with a unique taste and aroma.

• Sustainable Beekeeping: We’re committed to responsible practices, eco-friendly packaging, and supporting biodiversity.

• Traceable and Pure: All our honey is produced by us, never imported, so you can trust its origin and authenticity.

The Value of Real, Raw Welsh Honey

Choosing real, local honey is about more than taste—it’s an investment in quality, sustainability, and community. Every jar of Mêl Llŷn honey tells a story of place, people, and pollinators. That’s why it costs a little more, and why it’s worth every penny.

If you’d like to be notified when our next batch is available you can sign up to be notified, alternatively please follow us on Facebook. Thank you for supporting sustainable Welsh beekeeping!

Why Do Beeswax Candles Bloom? Care Tips for Your Pure Beeswax Candles

If you’ve ever bought pure beeswax candles, you may have noticed a delicate white film appearing on the surface over time. This natural phenomenon is known as “bloom,” and it’s a sign of genuine, high-quality beeswax. But what exactly is bloom, why does it happen, and how should you care for your beeswax candles to keep them looking and burning their best? Read on for expert tips from Mêl Llŷn, your trusted source for Welsh honey and handmade beeswax gifts.

What Is Bloom on Beeswax Candles?

Bloom is a powdery or frosted coating that can develop on the surface of beeswax candles. It’s not dust or a manufacturing flaw—in fact, it’s a hallmark of natural beeswax. Bloom occurs when natural compounds within the beeswax (mainly esters) migrate to the surface and crystallise. This effect is unique to pure beeswax candles and is often seen as proof of authenticity.

Is Bloom a Problem?

Not at all! Bloom is completely harmless and does not affect the performance, fragrance, or burn quality of your candle. Many candle enthusiasts even appreciate the rustic, natural appearance it gives. If you prefer a glossy finish, a simple polish will restore your candle’s shine (see care tips below).

Polish to Remove Bloom

If you’d like your beeswax candle to regain its original sheen, gently buff the surface with a soft cloth or a pair of nylon tights. This will remove the bloom and leave your candle looking as good as new.

Why Choose Beeswax Candles from Mêl Llŷn?

Our handmade beeswax candles are crafted with care on the Llŷn Peninsula, using only pure Welsh beeswax. We never add synthetic fragrances—just the subtle, natural scent of honey that comes from the hive. Our candles are pet-friendly, eco-conscious, and make beautiful beeswax gifts for any occasion.

Looking for More?

Explore our full range of beeswax candles, honey gifts, and Welsh wildflower honey. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or searching for a unique beeswax gift, Mêl Llŷn offers quality, sustainability, and a taste of Wales in every product.

How to roll your own beeswax candles

How to Roll Your Own Beeswax Candles: A Step-by-Step Guide

Looking for a fun and creative way to bring the warm glow of beeswax candles into your home? Rolling your own candles is an easy and enjoyable activity for all ages. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with nature and add a personal touch to your home décor.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of rolling your own beeswax candles. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned crafter, our step-by-step instructions will make it simple and rewarding.

Why Choose Beeswax Candles?

Beeswax candles are a natural, eco-friendly choice that offer many benefits:

• Clean Burning: Beeswax burns cleaner than paraffin, producing little to no soot.

• Natural Scent: Enjoy the subtle, sweet aroma of honey and flowers.

• Eco-Friendly: Made from renewable resources and free from harmful chemicals.

• Long-Lasting: Beeswax candles burn slower, giving you more hours of light.

What You’ll Need

To roll your own beeswax candles, you’ll need the following materials:

• Beeswax Sheets: Available in a variety of colours and sizes. Choose natural yellow or experiment with dyed sheets for a pop of colour.

• Candle Wicks: Ensure the wick is the correct size for the diameter of your candle.

• Scissors: To trim the wick and cut the beeswax sheets if needed.

• Hair Dryer (Optional): To soften the beeswax for easier rolling, especially in colder weather.

Or if you simply want to buy Beeswax Candles click here

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Workspace
   Find a flat, clean surface to work on. Lay down a sheet of parchment paper or a cutting mat to protect the surface.

2. Cut the Wick
   Measure the height of your beeswax sheet and cut your wick 2–3 cm longer than the sheet. This extra length ensures the wick can be lit easily.

3. Warm the Beeswax (Optional)
   If your beeswax sheets feel stiff, use a hair dryer on a low setting to gently warm them. This makes the wax more pliable and easier to roll.

4. Place the Wick
   Lay the wick along one edge of the beeswax sheet, ensuring it’s aligned straight. Leave a little wick extending beyond the top for lighting.

5. Start Rolling
   Gently fold the edge of the beeswax sheet over the wick, pressing firmly to secure it. Continue rolling the sheet tightly and evenly, applying light pressure as you go.

6. Add More Sheets (Optional)
   For thicker candles, you can add additional sheets. Simply overlap the edge of the new sheet with the end of the previous one and continue rolling.

7. Seal the Edge
   Once you’ve rolled the entire sheet, press the edge firmly to seal it. Warm it slightly with your hands or a hair dryer if needed.

8. Trim the Wick
   Trim the wick at the base of the candle, leaving about 1 cm of wick at the top.

Tips for Success

• Experiment with Shapes: Try rolling different shapes, such as taper candles or pillar candles, for variety.

• Mix and Match Colours: Layer different coloured sheets for a unique, striped effect.

• Store Properly: Keep your finished candles in a cool, dry place to prevent them from softening or warping.

Why DIY Beeswax Candles Make Great Gifts

Hand-rolled beeswax candles are not only beautiful but also thoughtful gifts. They’re perfect for birthdays, holidays, or as a cosy addition to gift hampers. Pair them with a jar of Mêl Llŷn honey or a handmade card for a personal touch.

Rolling your own beeswax candles is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon, whether you’re crafting solo or with family and friends. Plus, it’s a sustainable and creative way to bring a little more light into your life.

Have you tried rolling your own candles? Share your creations with us in the comments or tag us on social media using #MêlLlŷn

The Medicinal History of Raw Honey (Copy)

The Medicinal History of Raw Honey 🍯✨

Did you know? Raw honey has been cherished for centuries, not just as a natural sweetener but also for its fascinating history in traditional remedies! 🐝🌿

From ancient Egyptian wound care to Greek and Roman civilizations recognizing its value, honey has always been seen as a treasure of nature. Its natural enzymes and antibacterial properties made it a staple in traditional medicine. While modern regulations mean we can’t make health claims, we can explore what has been widely believed about raw honey over the centuries:

Widely Believed Benefits of Raw Honey:

• A natural energy booster due to its unrefined sugars.

• Thought to soothe sore throats when mixed with warm water or tea.

• Believed to support skin healing when used as a traditional remedy.

• Often used historically as a natural preservative.

• Recognized for its potential antibacterial properties.

At Mêl Llŷn, we’re proud to continue this tradition by producing pure, raw Welsh Wildflower Honey right here in the Llŷn Peninsula, North Wales. Our honey is minimally filtered, unpasteurised, and crafted with care to preserve its natural goodness. 🌸🐝

We believe in showcasing the bounty of the Llŷn Peninsula while staying true to our sustainable values. Every jar of our honey is a testament to the unique micro-climate and wildflowers of the region, offering you a truly authentic taste of nature.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy honey? Drizzled on toast, stirred into tea, or something else? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

Why Choose Mêl Llŷn Honey?

• Pure, raw, and unpasteurised.

• Sustainably crafted in North Wales.

• A natural sweetener you can trust.

Explore our range of raw honey and handmade beeswax candles here.

#RawHoney #WelshHoney #Sustainability #BeeInspired

Guide to Managing a Bee Swarm

If you’re in North Wales and a live bee swarm has just landed near your property, don’t panic! Swarms are a natural part of a bee’s lifecycle, and there’s a simple, safe, and environmentally friendly way to handle them. Here’s what you need to know:

What to Do If You Spot a Swarm

1. Stay Calm and Keep Your Distance
   Swarming bees are not aggressive as they’re focused on finding a new home. Avoid disturbing them with loud noises or sudden movements, and keep pets and children away.

2. Assess the Situation
   Check if the swarm is in a safe and accessible spot. If it’s in a high-traffic area or poses a risk, it’s important to act quickly.

3. Contact Mêl Llŷn for Assistance
   Based in the Llŷn Peninsula, we at Mêl Llŷn are professionals at safely rehome swarms in North Wales and surrounding areas. Our team ensures the bees are relocated to a safe and sustainable environment, where they can continue their vital role in pollination.

   Contact Details:

   • Email: post@mel-llyn.co.uk

   • Phone: 07827291337

4. Find a Local Swarm Catcher
   If you’re outside our service area or need immediate help, you can find local swarm collectors through the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) website. They have a directory of trained and registered swarm catchers across the UK.

5. Do Not Attempt to Remove or Exterminate
   Bees are crucial pollinators and protected under ethical and environmental guidelines in the UK. Rehoming is always the preferred solution to ensure their survival and support biodiversity.

Why Rehoming is Important

Bees are vital to Gwynedd’s ecosystem, aiding in pollination and supporting the natural beauty of the region’s heather-covered landscapes. By rehoming swarms, you’re contributing to the preservation of these essential pollinators and the environment.

If you encounter a swarm or nest, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Mêl Llŷn. We’re here to help protect both the bees and our local community!

Why Does Honey Crystallise and What Should You Do About It?

At Mêl Llŷn, we’re passionate about producing raw, unpasteurised Welsh Wildflower Honey that’s as natural and pure as it gets. One of the unique features of raw honey is its tendency to crystallise over time. While some might see this as a flaw, it’s actually a sign of high-quality, minimally processed honey. Let’s explore why honey crystallises, why it’s a good thing, and how to handle it without compromising its raw goodness.

What Causes Honey to Crystallise?

Crystallisation is a natural process that happens when the sugars in honey (mainly glucose and fructose) start to form crystals. Here’s why:

• Natural Composition: Raw honey like ours contains a higher proportion of glucose, which crystallises naturally.

• Cooler Temperatures: Honey stored in cooler environments (below 10°C) tends to crystallise faster.

• Purity of Raw Honey: Unlike processed honey, raw honey retains tiny bits of pollen, beeswax, and enzymes that can act as “seeds” for crystallisation.

In short, crystallisation is a hallmark of pure, unprocessed honey. It doesn’t affect the quality or taste—if anything, it’s proof of its authenticity!

Is Crystallised Honey Safe to Eat?

Absolutely! Crystallised honey is perfectly safe to eat and just as delicious. Many of our customers enjoy its creamy, spreadable texture, which is perfect for toast, baking, or stirring into hot drinks.

How to De-Crystallise Honey Without Losing Its Raw Quality

If you prefer your honey in its liquid form, here’s how to gently bring it back to life:

1. Warm Water Bath: Place the honey jar in a bowl of warm water (around 40°C) and stir occasionally until the crystals dissolve. Be patient—gentle heating preserves the honey’s enzymes and nutrients.

2. Avoid High Heat: Never use boiling water or a microwave, as extreme heat can destroy the natural enzymes and antioxidants in raw honey.

3. Store at Room Temperature: To slow down future crystallisation, store your honey in a cool, dry place at room temperature.

Why We Embrace Crystallisation at Mêl Llŷn

Crystallisation is a natural characteristic of raw honey, and we see it as a badge of honour. It’s a reminder that our honey is unpasteurised, minimally processed, and full of natural goodness. Plus, the creamy texture of crystallised honey is a delight in its own right!

Quick Tips to Prevent Crystallisation

• Store honey in a tightly sealed jar to minimise exposure to air.

• Keep it at a stable room temperature—avoid storing it in the fridge.

• If you love the creamy texture, consider stirring it to create a smooth, spreadable consistency.

At Mêl Llŷn, we’re proud to offer honey that’s as close to nature as possible. Whether you enjoy it smooth or crystallised, you’re guaranteed a product that’s rich in flavour, nutrients, and Welsh heritage.