Dees Bees Apiary has been making a buzz not just in the Sandhills but across the country. The reason behind the un-bee-lievable amount of attention? World-famous purple honey that can only be produced in North Carolina.
“Purple honey is relatively unique to the Sandhills,” explained Donald Dees, owner of namesake Dees Bees. “It doesn’t come every year, though I’ve been fortunate enough to see it three years in a row. There’s no predicting it, and you can’t tell which hives will make it.”
That’s right: busy bees in the Sandhills have a chance of producing a honey that’s a rich, vibrant purple.
Despite its popularity, the origins of purple honey remain a mystery. Though researchers have proposed plenty of theories, from the soil’s aluminum content to the presence of kudzu and various plant species, none have been able to pinpoint the cause of the purple honey nor why it’s specific only to North Carolina.
However, Donald believes the answer lies in a “multifactorial set of variables,” including the microclimate and berries that grow in this region. Factors such as rain, temperature, and blooming seasons play a role, with Donald noting that the last purple honey harvest occurred during a particularly hot and dry spell followed by rain.
Donald has hives spread across Moore County, but he says there’s no predicting where or when the purple honey will appear. He simply puts the bees where he thinks they might make it, but there is no guarantee; the purple honey is an all-natural product made entirely by the bees without using dyes or additives.
“Other honey can be tinged purple rather than fully purple, or they might have streaks,” Donald explained, describing the phenomenon as largely concentrated in southern Moore County. “It’s a rare and unpredictable event.”
Purple honey’s flavor is as distinct as its color. “I’d describe it as tangy, with a berryish flavor,” noted Donald, though he added that each batch has its own unique nuances. “Customers have described the taste as grapey or fruity, with one even saying it’s ‘what the color purple would taste like.’”
The purple honey is primarily sold online but is occasionally restocked at Twigg & Co. in Aberdeen. Despite its rarity, the demand for purple honey is high, driven by curiosity and a desire to experience something unique to the Sandhills. “A lot of the market is about curiosity,” Donald pointed out. “People want to try something so special.”
In addition to local customers, Dees Bees has attracted attention far beyond the reach of Moore County. Customers from across the nation place orders, and Dees Bees purple honey has even made its way to a five-star restaurant in Chicago.
Harvesting purple honey is labor-intensive, taking about two weeks as Donald carefully checks each frame of every hive. But for Donald, the hard work is worth it. “Seeing the joy on people’s faces when they try our honey, knowing they appreciate the quality—that’s what makes it all worth it.”
Dees Bees honey is sold at over 17 locations all across the Sandhills. To learn more or to place an order for purple honey, visit www.deesbeesapiary.com or find them on social media as Dees Bees Apiary, LLC on Facebook and @deesbeez on Instagram.
Feature photo: Donald Dees, owner of Dees Bees, shows off his world-famous purple honey.
~Article and photo by Sandhills Sentinel Assistant Editor Abegail Murphy.
