They pollinate our fruit. Let’s return the favor.
Bumble Bees Crashing
California is home to over 1,600 native bee species—making it one of the most bee-diverse places on Earth. But these essential pollinators are in trouble. Habitat loss, pesticides, and competition from non-native species are driving population declines across the state.¹
An example: Crotch’s bumble bee declined 98% in the last decade and is listed as endangered in California.²
We need pollinators. Without them, many fruits and vegetables wouldn’t exist.
“Blueberries start off as little flowers—and the bees pollinate them. We need the bees!”
—Darren Story, Coastal Moon Farm
Bees make fruit possible—and unforgettable honey.
Wild, raw honey tastes far better than the pasteurized, ultra-filtered store brands. Those processing steps may extend shelf life, but they strip away the richness, complexity, and deep sense of place.
The flavor, color, and aroma of honey all depend on the flowers bees visit. The floral source is the biggest influence on taste—lavender makes honey light and delicate; buckwheat makes it dark and bold.³
“You can taste the difference in the honey from hives in Redwood City to the ones in Palo Alto because the plants are different.”
—Dave Rickling, Dave’s Backyard Bees
Honey from your neighborhood is a snapshot of the local landscape and season. A spoonful of local honey tastes like that place at that time.
Health Benefits of Raw Honey
Raw, wild honey is also good for you—it’s packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and enzymes that support wellness. Studies suggest it may soothe sore throats and coughs, aid digestion, promote wound healing, and provide a steadier energy boost than refined sugar.
It may help with seasonal allergies by introducing small amounts of pollen—but the science is mixed.
What You Can Do for Bees
Plant native flowers, avoid harsh pesticides, and buy from local beekeepers like Dave Rickling who do ethical, sustainable foraging.
Dave started beekeeping with his kids as a backyard science project during the COVID lockdowns. Today, they manage over 150 hives buzzing across the Bay Area. Learn more at:
We’ll have Dave’s honey periodically in the Rootstock store—add one to your order when you can!
Recipe: Strawberry Honey Slushie
Ingredients
• ~15 strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp Dave’s honey
• ~20 ice cubes
Instructions
Blend until smooth. Enjoy!
Note: Honey is not safe for babies under 12 months.4
Sources
1 California’s Bee Crisis: A Threat to Farms, Food, and Our Future. KESQ. https://kesq.com/news/in-depth/2025/03/12/californias-bee-crisis-a-threat-to-farms-food-and-our-future-bees-in-southern-california
2 California ESA Protection for Bumble Bees. Xerces Society. https://www.xerces.org/press/california-esa-bumble-bees-2018
3 Why Honey Looks Different—And How Each Variety Tastes. Planet Bee. https://www.planetbee.org/post/why-honey-looks-different-and-how-each-variety-tastes
4 When Can Babies Eat Honey? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/when-can-babies-eat-honey
