Our Beekeeping Philosophy

C&J Apiaries is a women-owned, queer-operated artisanal honey business serving the Philadelphia and Reading markets. We specialize in producing premium, unfiltered raw honey through sustainable beekeeping practices that prioritize bee welfare over maximum yield. Our mission centers on ethical beekeeping that maintains the natural integrity of honey while supporting healthy bee populations. We believe in quality over quantity, sustainable harvesting, and preserving the beneficial properties that make raw honey a superior product. We serve health-conscious consumers and local food enthusiasts who value artisanal quality, ethical production, and supporting LGBTQIA+ and women-owned businesses.

At our beekeeping operation, we are dedicated to nurturing healthy bee colonies through customized and organic management practices. We believe that a smaller operation allows us to concentrate on the wellbeing of each individual colony, ensuring that every hive receives the attention and care it deserves. Our approach to beekeeping is both intentional and mindful. By deliberately maintaining a limited number of colonies, we can closely monitor the health and vitality of each hive.

Our honey truly captures the essence of our local flora, showcasing the unique flavors and qualities of the diverse wildflowers and plants in our area. We practice minimal intervention harvesting, taking only surplus honey while leaving adequate stores for the bees' winter survival. This ethical approach means our honey is naturally limited and seasonal. We take great pride in every jar of honey we produce, knowing that it reflects the health of our hives and the beauty of the surrounding landscape. And we do not use plastic in our hives!

One of the most rewarding aspects of our beekeeping approach is our remarkable success in overwintering our colonies. Thanks to our small-scale, sustainable practices, we have achieved 100% overwintering success in the 5 years we have been keeping bees, a testament to our commitment to nurturing healthy bees.