Our Producer of the Month this month is Roselea Apiaries who’ve been producing local honey from, naturally, local honey bees for twenty years.
John and Penny Crossburn tend around 200 hives, each of which are home to 50,000 worker bees. The hives are situated from the edge of the New Forest and Test Valley in groups of twelve on a site. John says he still gets stung four to five times a day but says he’s just got used to it.
Roselea produce clear, set, comb and New Forest Heather honey, that latter of which is produced from bees who have, as the name suggests, been moved to the heather in the New Forest which gives it a different flavour and texture from regular honey – quite unique.
John says local food inspires him due to the very fact that it is from the same area and you can talk to the producers at the stalls about their produce. Particular favourites are Fonthill Glebe Wines and Lardy cakes from the Flour Shop.
Of his own bees, John likes his set honey the best; he has it on his toast in the morning just after walking his two dogs.
