Consuming raw, local honey is better for the environment and your immune system — raw local honey contains natural vitamins, enzymes, and antioxidants that help support a healthy diet. It also has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties, making honey a power-house for fighting the common cold and other airborne illnesses. On top of that, it can also help fight allergy symptoms. Raw local honey contains local pollen, which can strengthen your immune system and reduce symptoms experienced from pollen allergies. Luckily for us here in Hudson County, we have a raw local honey farm right here in North Bergen — Uncle Gordon’s. Keep reading to learn more about the hidden backyard honey farm in North Bergen, Uncle Gordon’s.
About the Honey Farm
Along a steep hill leading down to Tonnelle Avenue, with a view of the Meadowlands and new American Dream Mall, lies Uncle Gordon’s honey farm in North Bergen {at 1504 67th St, North Bergen, NJ 07047}. The farm is marked with a bright sign in front of what looks like an ordinary house. Walk down the driveway and knock on the front door to be greeted by Uncle Gordon himself, who will ask you if you’re here to buy honey. Follow Uncle Gordon outside to an expansive backyard, a surprising breath of fresh air in the middle of a busy city. Stacks of wooden boxes containing beehives line the property. There are about 20 to 25 hives, housing a total of 60,000 bees.
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About Gordon
{Photo credit: @unclegordonshoney}
Gordon Casner has been operating his North Bergen honey farm since 1960 but has worked with bees since the age of seven. Originally of German descent, Gordon grew up in Cuba where he learned to farm with his family. They managed a large plantation growing oranges, sugar cane, and most importantly, honey. He worked on his family’s farm in Cuba until he was 20 years old. Then, in 1953 he moved to 200th street in Manhattan. After only six years, he decided to move west across the Hudson and landed in North Bergen, New Jersey. It was then Gordon went back to doing what he knew best, farming honey.
About the Bees
For almost 60 years, he has been caring for his bees and selling honey to local residents. Beekeepers work in seasons, following the life and work of their hives. From May through November, the bees come alive and start producing honey for the year. Each hive has one queen bee, who the rest of the hive works to support. All bees within the hive eat the honey they produce, except for the queen bee who eats royal jelly so she can live longer. The bees work around the clock, pollinating flowers and returning to their hive to make honey. A bee works for six weeks straight without sleeping before dying. By the time November comes around, the hive population has reduced from the original 60,000 bees it started with in the spring. As the colder weather settles in, the remaining bees begin their hibernation for the winter.
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Working tirelessly throughout the spring and summer means the bees have produced enough honey to last through the winter months. So whether you stop by Uncle Gordon’s in peak season and are able to steal a glimpse of the bees buzzing about their hives, or you visit in the dead of winter — you’ll be met with fresh local honey. And because it’s created organically without additives or chemicals, Uncle Gordon’s honey has no expiration date.
Uncle Gordon keeps his operation small, so the only way to buy his honey is by visiting his backyard farm. Stop by to get your next batch of honey and taste the difference local honey makes.
Have you visited Uncle Gordon’s honey farm? Let us know the comments!
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