Bee Humble Apiaries
John and Andrea Bartolero
PO Box 1133
Freedom, CA 95019
831-768-7173
beehumbleapiaries@gmail.com
www.beehumbleapiaries.com
Markets: Carmel
Products: Raw honey; handcrafted herbal honey infusions (elderberry, lavender, yerba santa, culinary sage and white sage; propolis and yerba santa tinctures; throat care products made with elderberry syrup and concentrated tinctures; medicinal salves; lavender sachets.
History/Philosophy: Bee Humble Apiaries is a small family run beekeeping operation specializing in quality apitherapy* and aromatherapy products with a mission “to provide the finest bee products available.” John and Andrea have raising bees for six years on 20 acres surrounded by forest located between Aptos and Freedom. “We had other beekeepers on the land and it naturally seemed like the next thing to do when John was looking for a career change.”
Although Bee Humble Apiaries are primarily honey producers, they would also consider using their bees for pollinating organic crops. Andrea further explained, “We do intentional planting of native and drought resistant plants to provide our bees with a variety of nectars. We care very deeply about the bees and their wellbeing.”
In addition, John and Andrea distill lavender and geranium using a still they have on their farm to create their own essential oils for various products. “We are always striving toward a sustainable model, from the apiary site on our land, to the unique hand crafted products we produce.”
Bee Humble Apiaries enjoys reviving ancient healing techniques using honeybee products, herbs, syrups and salves to create products with uncompromised purity, potency and versatility. “Our honey herbal infusions have the medicinal strength yet will compliment any culinary dish! We also provide potent and effective cold care and skin care products. We carefully blend small batches with only the finest organically grown or ethically wild crafted flowers and herbs using time honored methods of traditional herbalists.”
Weed Control: No pesticides are used on the land. Only WiseSolutions.com products are used.
Pest Control: Bee Humble Apiaries practice integrated pest management while moving into organic beekeeping.
Water Use: Although on city water, efficient gray water systems are in place for irrigation needs.
Certification: Certified with the State of California Department of Food and Agriculture and the Certified Farmers' Market Inspection Program.
*Apitherapy: the use of products derived from bees as medicine, including venom, honey, pollen, and royal jelly.