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Catch Natasha at the 2023 RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Thu, 04 May 2023 10:31:33 GMT

Sensory Delights and Bee Conservation: Lyon Raw Joins Expert Bee Team at the 2023 RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Lyon Raw is proud to announce the launch of our new website, coinciding with founder Natasha Lyon's invitation to be part of an expert bee team at the 2023 RHS Chelsea Flower Show. This is a true honour, and we are thrilled to be working with Paula Carnell, author, naturopathic beekeeping expert, bee consultant, and Head Beekeeper at The Newt, Babylonstoren’s sister farm. The theme for the 2023 show is "Rewilding" and "Sensory,": perfectly in line with our training as Honey Sensory Analysis experts by the Italian Register in Bologna, Italy.

As a beekeeper and honey sommelier, I understand the importance of gardens as a sensory kingdom for all living beings, including humans. Not only are they healing and restorative, but they also serve as a safe haven and food resource for our declining pollinators. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show has been showcasing the latest trends in garden design since 1930, and we are proud to be a part of it.

Over the years, South Africa has won numerous awards, with renowned landscape designer Leon Kluge receiving a Gold Medal in 2013 and 2018. His team's work has showcased the beauty and diversity of South Africa's floral kingdom and cultures.

A full list of South African awards received at the Chelsea Flower Show from 1976 to 2018:

36 Gold Medals
5 Silver-Gilt Medals (1976, 1997, 2003, 2014, 2015)
2 Silver Medals (2007, 2010)
Anthony Huxley Trophy (1995)
Lindley Medal (1989) – awarded for exhibits of special educational or scientific interest
2 Lawrence Medals (1992, 2006)
RHS President’s Most Creative Award (2008)
RHS President’s Award (2017).

Since its inception, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show has become one of the most important flower shows globally, displaying cutting-edge ideas and the latest gardening trends. This year's show will be no different, featuring 12 official gardens, including Sanctuary Gardens, which embrace the healing benefits of gardens, and the healing benefits of nature, and Balcony and Container Gardens, which raise awareness of the importance of planting for pollinators. The Houseplant Studios provide plant-filled inspiration, while the Great Pavilion will be filled with the glorious sights and scents of spring.

Of particular interest is the Royal Entomological Society Garden, which showcases the remarkable value of insects and will be relocated as a public access teaching garden and long-term opportunity for insect study. The Discovery Zone, located in the Great Pavilion, will host educational exhibits promoting the latest discoveries in horticultural science, with a focus on climate change and improving mental well-being.

We are excited to be a part of the 2023 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and we hope to inspire visitors to appreciate the beauty and wonder of our natural world.

Bee well,

The Lyon Raw team

Fake Honey

Sat, 15 Apr 2023 08:48:04 GMT

Real vs Fake Honey: The Importance of Supporting Artisanal Beekeeping

As a honey sommelier and advocate for artisanal beekeeping, it pains me to see the prevalence of fake honey in the market. The injustices of this industry are a trigger for me. The hard work that goes into keeping bees and producing real honest honey, a miraculous superfood created entirely by nature, is undervalued and under-appreciated.

Artisanal beekeepers are disappearing, and few newcomers are entering the industry. Without fair prices for their real, honest, and superior quality honey harvests, we risk being left with only large-scale, often questionable honey varietals.

The scale of fake honey operations is enormous, with sizeable margins especially when cheap sugar substitutes are added. The scientific sophistication used to "copy" honey is mind-blowing, and the increased demand for honey since the COVID epidemic has only made matters worse. Big players are looking to expand their operations with advanced science making it possible to produce highly sophisticated versions of man-made fake honey.

Real honey is a natural wonder that cannot be mass-produced. Every harvest is unique, requiring the perfect balance of soil health, rainfall, and temperature for successful nectar and honeydew production. This is where Lyon Raw's focus and mission lie.

We seek out South Africa's most special and rare premium honey harvests, pay fair prices to our beekeepers for their expert skills and sustainable apiary practices, and showcase and honor our bees' hard work. We inspire others to plant for bees and pollinators and use our knowledge and training to create a buzz about real honest honey through Lyon Raw delightful Honey Sensory Analysis Tastings.

Let us stand together to support artisanal beekeeping and promote the importance of real, honest honey.

#togetherwecan

Meet Natasha Lyon South Africa’s first Internationally trained Honey Sommelier

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 12:37:50 GMT

Lyon is one of the few honey sommeliers in the world, and the only one in South Africa.

What do honey sommeliers do, and where do they train?

What are the best pairings for honey?

Pippa Hudson interviewed Lyon about her sweet profession and all things honey.

Pardon the weeds I’m planting for bees

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 08:48:04 GMT

Grow a garden that welcomes bees

Have you ever considered dedicating a part of your garden to supporting insect life? If you're fortunate enough to have a garden, why not provide space for informal insect settlement? Lyon Raw has lovely "Air Bee & Bee" hotels that encourage bee diversity and make for thoughtful gifts.

Sadly, most children grow up disliking insects. However, observing the activities in and around a solitary bee hotel is an exciting activity that can encourage children to learn more about these incredible beings and be inspired to protect our insects. Kids love watching the bees fly in and out and may even be able to spot their treasures from pollen grains to flying back with bits of leaves to line their nests.

Insects form the backbone of sustainable ecosystems, and we desperately need them. They pollinate our crops, recycle waste, keep soil healthy, control pests, and so much more. Of the estimated 5 million species of insects worldwide, we've only named 1 million. Of those, we know virtually nothing about their biology, distribution, and abundance.

It's widely accepted that we're now living in the Anthropocene, a new geological epoch in which the Earth's ecosystem and climate are being fundamentally altered by human activities. To continue to enjoy quality raw honey, fresh fruit, veggies, and so much more, we can all take small steps to help. Here are some suggestions:

Here are some suggestions:

�� Say NO to pesticides

�� Educate family and friends

�� Plant for bees

�� Leave patches in our gardens undisturbed

Here are some bee-friendly plants to consider:

�� Agapanthus

�� Gazanias

�� Blue ribbon bush

�� Bottlebrush

�� Strelitzia

�� Sea lavender (flowering now)

�� Most herbs (allow to reach the flower and seed stage before pruning)

�� Poppies (reaching the end of flowering now)

�� Aloes

�� And one of my favourites, Euphoria Glamour, which attracts a wide variety of pollinators.

Tip: Visit your local nursery during the year to observe which plants the bees and pollinators forage from in your region. They will lead you to the best plants for your garden.

Companion planting is a wonderful way to deter pests in our gardens and further enhance crop yield for fruit and vegetables.

Further useful information can be found at www.organicseeds.co.za , http://livingseeds.co.za , www.gardeningofsouthafrica.co.za

Contact us to find out how we can help you to create a pollinator sanctuary.

If you're interested in insects and pollinators, I highly recommend reading "Silent Earth" by scientist Dave Goulson.

Please note that our solitary air "Bee & Bee" hotels do not attract honey bees. South Africa is home to around 1,300 bee species out of the 22,000 bee species worldwide. That's pretty incredible!

Thank you for reading, and happy bee spotting!

Precious Time

Sun, 15 Jan 2023 14:28:48 GMT

As I reflect on the past five years of my journey with bees, I've gained a new perspective on the concept of time that I'd like to share with you. If you're reading this, you're probably passionate about honey and bees, and can agree that raw honey is one of the most precious things in life.

Let's take a glimpse into the history of cognac in France's Aquitaine region. White wine made from grapes like Colombians and Semilon is fermented with wild yeast and distilled in a copper still to create "eau de vie," or "water of life." From this, cognac is made. Just like the moisture of nectar needs to evaporate from around 80% to less than 20% to form honey as we know it, so too does a small percentage of the cognac evaporate into the cask of the wooden barrel and into the air. In Cognac, this evaporation is called "la part des anges" or "the angels' share."

In 1874, the Rèmy Martin family decided to create the ultimate spirit of the world. These cognacs are created for future generations, and the cellar master who created each batch and filled each bottle will never get to taste his creation as it is aged beyond his reign.

This realization made me think of the sacred beauty of raw honey. Each time we open a jar of real, honest honey, we are reminded that the bees who made it have already died off as they only live for around six weeks. Each jar of honey is a life achievement of every little bee who made it. Moreover, each jar of honey captures a specific botanical footprint, reflecting the weather pattern, type and quality of soil, and specific point in time.

In a way, each jar of honey is a form of "time" expressed in this beautiful substance. Honey bees have been around for the past over 100 million years, reminding us that time is precious and one of the few things in life that cannot be bought. Let's cherish the time we have with our loved ones as it passes by quickly. If only we could capture experiences in a jar like the honey bees do.

With sweet regards,

Natasha

Hello 2023

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 08:48:04 GMT

Hello there, 2023

Welcome to the new year, dear friends and fellow honey lovers! As we bid adieu to the first week of 2023, Lyon Raw sends you warm wishes for a year full of happiness, good health, and bountiful blessings. May your pollen baskets overflow with the sweetness of life and love.

I must start by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to all our loyal honey and bee supporters. Your unwavering dedication and passion for our precious pollinators have been a constant source of inspiration to me. The connections I have formed with so many of you are nothing short of magical, and I feel truly blessed.

Looking back at 2022, I am reminded of the importance of finding our inner voice and staying true to our authentic selves. It is our sixth sense, that intuitive knowing, that guides us through life's challenges and propels us towards our dreams.

As a honey sommelier, I have learned to listen to the wisdom of my bees. Their ancient knowledge and deep understanding of nature never cease to amaze me. Through them, I have come to appreciate the interconnectedness of all things and the delicate balance that sustains life on our planet.

Yet, running a growing business is no easy feat. I have come to realize that I need to learn to prioritize and plan my time better, say "no" to certain demands, and always keep sight of my "Why?".

"Why did you decide to become a honey sommelier?" This seemingly simple question has helped me stay focused on my purpose and rekindle my passion for bee awareness. Lyon Raw's mission is to differentiate real, honest honey, and support small-scale artisanal honey producers who share our values of sustainability, ethical beekeeping, and quality.

Together, we can shine a light on the amazing Bee Whisperers who truly love their bees and their produce. These small-scale producers are the backbone of our artisanal honey industry, and we are committed to supporting them in every way we can.

As we enter 2023, Lyon Raw is poised for growth and exciting opportunities. But none of this would be possible without your unwavering support, belief in our mission, and encouragement. You are an integral part of this journey, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Let us continue to delight the senses and inspire the heart and mind with the beauty and wonder of honeybees and their golden nectar. Happy New Year!

Bee well,

Natasha Lyon

What's the Buzz about Fermentation?

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 12:35:13 GMT

How Fermentation Became the Latest Buzz: A Brief History and its Relationship with Honey

Fermentation is the buzz lately, with fermented foods gaining popularity once again. But did you know that fermentation has been around for thousands of years? The history of fermentation dates back to Neolithic China, where evidence of a fermented alcoholic beverage made from fruit, honey, and rice was found dating back to 7000-6600 BCE. Wine-making dates back to around 6000 BCE, and the milk of camels, goats, sheep, and cattle was naturally fermented as far back as 10,000 BCE.

In 1856, a French chemist named Louis Pasteur made a breakthrough discovery, connecting yeast to the process of fermentation and becoming the first zymologist. It wasn't until 1910 that fermented foods were first considered beneficial to health, and in the last 40 years, extensive research has been conducted examining the health benefits of consuming friendly bacteria. There appear to be linkages between consuming these friendly bacteria and improved digestion and detoxification.

However, when it comes to honey, it's important to note that fermentation is not a desirable trait. In fact, when we grade, judge, or conduct a sensory analysis on honey, fermentation is noted as a defect. Honey is only considered pure if it is exactly as the bees made it, with nothing added, changed, or taken away.

While fermented honey is not naturally present in the hive and can even be poisonous to the bees, some Lyon Raw Honey lovers seek out fermented honey for its beneficial qualities. While it is true that fermentation is undesirable in honey from a quality and analysis perspective, I do keep a few jars of selected fermented honey on hand for those who enjoy it.

Bee well,

Natasha Lyon

Please note: I am not a medical expert and have no medical training - This is an opinion based article. Please always consult with your doctor before consuming fermented honey.