Yes! Rivas Honey is raw, unfiltered honey that keeps natural enzymes, pollens, vitamins, and antioxidants intact. Rivas Honey is straight from hive to jar, fresh and alive with natural properties that may help with seasonal allergies, digestion, and immunity.

Raw, local honey gives you a rich, natural sweetness and a clean honey flavor. You can stir it into tea, drizzle it on toast, or use it in baking and everyday recipes. Because it is raw, it may crystallize over time. That is normal. If you want it smooth again, you can warm the jar gently in warm water.

Pure raw honey from Rivas Bees doesn’t go bad! Honey is naturally low in moisture and high in sugars, which makes it resistant to bacteria. Stored properly in a sealed jar at room temperature, it can last indefinitely.

Crystallization is a natural process and a sign that your honey is raw and unprocessed. It happens when the natural sugars in honey form tiny crystals over time. This does not mean the honey has spoiled. To slow crystallization, store honey in a warm, dry place away from direct sunlight. If your honey does crystallize, gently put the jar in a pan of warm water.

Yes, sometimes we do get stung. While we always use full protective gear, bee stings come with the territory of beekeeping for over 45 years! We take extra measures to assure our guests are not at risk of being stung during our educational tours.

Pure raw honey, like Rivas Bees honey, is thick, smooth, and naturally sweet with floral notes. It may crystallize over time, which is normal for real honey. Unlike processed honey, it won’t be overly runny or have a watery consistency. Checking the label for “raw” or “unfiltered” and buying from trusted local sources ensures you’re getting authentic honey.

Yes, we can help. We share practical beekeeping advice for people who are learning, growing, or managing their own hives. If you have a question, we are happy to talk bees with you.

Yes, we do. We work with local growers across Santa Cruz County to support healthy crops with reliable pollination services. If you need bees for a growing season, we can talk through the details with you.

We sell our honey through selected local stores and markets in the Santa Cruz County area. If you want the closest place to find us, reach out and we can point you in the right direction.

Yes, we offer wholesale honey for businesses and other bulk buyers. If you are looking for larger quantities, contact us and we can discuss availability and options.

Yes, we do offer educational tours. They are a great way to learn about bees, honey, and how we care for our hives. We keep the experience safe, friendly, and easy to enjoy.