Sunflowers are the Summer bloom that makes us smile the most. And even better – the bees love them too. They produce a unique honey that Savannah Bee Company Founder Ted Dennard calls “the happiest honey.”

Our Sunflower Honey, sourced from Ukraine and Romania, captures the essence of the sunflower fields sprawling across these Eastern European landscapes. 

This honey, with its bright, sunshine-yellow color and sweet, tangy notes, is a product of love between nature and agriculture in these regions. 

Ted Dennard, founder of the Savannah Bee Company,  expresses his affection for sunflower honey. “Sunflowers seem to be plugged into the planet," Ted explains, “They literally follow the sun. Their little heads follow the sun from morning to night.” This natural cycle is mirrored in the honey, as bees transform the energy from these vibrant flowers into a delicious, yellow nectar.

Beekeeping in Eastern Europe

Beekeeping has a deep-rooted tradition in Eastern Europe, particularly in Ukraine. The country boasts a rich history of apiculture, with methods passed down through generations.

In recent years, The Foundation of Women Beekeepers in Ukraine has gained prominence, especially in times of conflict. It is the first and currently the only non-profit women's NGO registered in Ukraine. 

This organization promotes awareness of the vital role bees play in food security, conducts and applies current research in beekeeping practices, fosters a culture of beekeeping,

 and works to protect bees. These women have not only preserved the art of beekeeping, but have also played crucial roles in supporting their communities and contributing to the local economy. Plus, they call themselves the Beewomen – how cool is that?

Sunflowers in Eastern Europe

Introduced from North America in the 16th century, sunflowers quickly became a staple in the agricultural landscape of Ukraine and Romania. 

These countries are among the world's leading producers of sunflower seeds and sunflower oil, which explains why there is an abundance of sunflower honey. 

The extensive fields of sunflowers, bathed in summer sunlight, not only eventually provide a significant source of oil and seeds but also become a haven for bees, creating a symbiotic relationship that results in high-quality honey. “Happy fields, happy flowers, happy bees,” Ted relates, “and very good honey.”

Sunflower Climate

The climate in Ukraine and Romania is particularly good for sunflower cultivation. Both countries experience long, warm summers and fertile soil conditions – ideal for growing sunflowers. This climate ensures that these flowers thrive, and in turn, that bees have a plentiful supply of nectar. 

Sunny Honey

The cheerful nature of sunflowers is the first thing that drew Ted to the honey. “They’re just bright, shiny, happy flowers." The honey itself has a color, flavor and crystallized texture that make it even more inviting. “It’s sunshine yellow, and it crystallizes quickly to make it the perfect texture.” 

Our Sunflower Honey has a frosted texture similar to that of our Whipped Honeys, making it a great spread. With tangy notes and a rich sweetness, it can be used in a ton of recipes, from drinks to dips.

 As Ted puts it, "The sunlight comes down and gives life to the plant, and the plant provides food for the bees. Sunflowers are a representation of this cycle of growth on the earth" This cycle is captured and lovingly imbued in every jar of Sunflower Honey, offering a taste of the vibrant, sun-drenched fields of summer. “You can taste the happiness.”

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