Rare Purple Honey Emerges from North Carolina's Sandhills

In the heart of North Carolina's Sandhills, a rare phenomenon has once again captivated beekeepers and honey enthusiasts alike: the production of purple honey. This elusive, plum-colored honey is known to occur exclusively in this region, and its exact origins remain a mystery.

 

Jim Hartman, a veteran and owner of Secret Garden Bees in Cumberland County, recently discovered this rare honey among his hives. Hartman, who began beekeeping as a therapeutic endeavor after serving 10 years in the U.S. Army, has seen his hobby flourish into a thriving business. In 2024, he was honored as North Carolina's Small Farmer of the Year, sharing the title with Patrick Brown of Warren County—a historic first-time tie for the award. 

 

The purple honey harvested at Secret Garden Bees is noted for its exceptionally sweet flavor with subtle fruity undertones. Despite various theories, including the influence of local flora like kudzu or muscadine grapes, the precise cause of the honey's unique coloration remains unknown. Hartman himself acknowledges the enigma, stating, "For some reason, it only comes in the Sandhills of North Carolina. We don’t know where it comes from." 

 

The rarity and unpredictability of purple honey make each harvest a significant event. Beekeepers in the region, including those at Secret Garden Bees, continue to monitor their hives with anticipation, hoping for future yields of this distinctive honey.

 

For those interested in experiencing this unique product, Secret Garden Bees offers their honey through various retailers and at local events. Given its scarcity, availability is limited, making it a sought-after delicacy for honey aficionados.