If you are used to buying bottles of honey for a couple of dollars at the grocery store, then you might do a bit of a double-take when you first see Tupelo honey for sale. The cost is definitely higher than what you pay for everyday honey from a national brand. But there are a few reasons for this — and they are all pretty good reasons. Here's why Tupelo honey sells for so much, and also why it's generally worth the cost.

It's Only Made in Specific Areas.

Honey is made just about anywhere there are honey bees. However, Tupelo honey, specifically, is only produced in a really small area in Florida. This is because the honey is made exclusively from the nectar of Tupelo flowers, which grow on Tupelo trees. And Tupelo trees only grow in the swampy lands in this northwestern part of Florida. This makes Tupelo honey an exclusive product that is in short supply. There are only so many Tupelo trees, and there are only so many beekeepers who are able to keep bees that create honey from those trees' nectar.

There's a Lot of Timing and Care Involved With Making It.

In addition to being really picky about where they will grow, Tupelo trees also only blossom for a few weeks out of the summer. The beekeepers, therefore, need to be impeccable with their timing, moving their hives towards the Tupelo groves right when the flowers are about to bloom and then gathering the bees up again as soon as the flowers stop blooming. This timing prevents the bees from feeding on other flowers, which would make the honey less pure. This beekeeping practice requires a lot of experience and skill, which is reflected in the price of the honey.

Tupelo Honey Has Unique Health Benefits.

As you may know, diabetics have to be really careful when eating sugary foods since their body cannot naturally regulate their blood sugar levels very well. They can, however, eat Tupelo honey in restricted quantities because the ratio of sugars it contains means the sugars are absorbed more slowly than usual. Tupelo honey is also said to be an antibacterial substance and some believe it even helps boost the immune system. You're not just paying for a sweetener when you buy Tupelo honey; you're paying for a quality health food product.

The next time you see a jar of Tupelo honey for sale, you won't be as shocked at the cost. In fact, after learning what goes into making this specialty product, you may actually be surprised it doesn't cost even more.  

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