Defining the “local” in local honey?
- lilbshoneycompany
- May 4
- 2 min read
By: Mike “The Bee Man” Bradford
If you ask 10 beekeepers the same question, you will get 11 answers! It’s even worse when it comes to defining what “local” means. A quick Google search pulled the following result:
“Local honey is typically defined as honey sourced from bees foraging within a 50-mile radius of your location. This radius can vary, with some considering 25 miles as “local,” while others extend it up to 100 miles.” According to: What Is Considered Local Honey? | Criteria Explained
For Ardmore, OK this area would include the towns of Pauls Valley and Stratford on the north, Caddo to the east, Gainesville, TX on the south and Waurika to the west.
A good rule of thumb, but is it really that simple?
According to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map everything north of state highway 53 is in zone 7A and everything south is in zone 7B. This would place Davis, Sulphur, Pauls Valley, and Statford in a different zone. The plants in these areas will be slightly different from one another. So, is honey produced in these areas still local?
Maybe yes, maybe not?!
According to HoneyBeeNet’s Bee Forage Regions map areas east of Lake Texoma would be in a different region. Once again there will be differing plant species.
So, is honey from this area still local?
Maybe yes, maybe not?!
So... what it the conclusion?
A 50-mile radius works in most cases. If you are just looking for delicious locally produced honey this definition is for you!
However, if allergy relief is the goal. A more refined definition is required. This definition uses both the USDA planting zones as well as bee foraging regions. You will want to find honey produced in your planing zone and within the bee foraging region corresponding with you personal residence. For Ardmore, Ok this area would be from Durant to Fredrick and south of the Arbuckles to the DFW area.
Mike Bradford is a local beekeeper and the founder of Li’l B’s Honey Company and the Honeybee Rescue Squad.
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