About Minefield Honey
Experts estimate that 30% of Ukraine is strewn with landmines, including functioning farms and public spaces. In the summer of 2023, the DTCare humanitarian team traveled to eastern Ukraine to bring aid to villages near the front lines. The once lush farmland area is now filled with wildflowers and warning signs signaling danger due to Russian landmines. Demining the area is daunting and could take up to a century.
That is why Minefield Honey was created—to raise awareness and support local farms and communities struggling with the danger of remaining mines. Amid this danger, Minefield Honey offers a glimmer of hope. The honey is collected from beehives near the mines by farmers working to rebuild their land. This honey represents solidarity with those affected by the mines and brings attention to the ongoing danger. It also symbolizes resilience, as the land is repurposed and local economies are revitalized.
Infused-Honey Production Process
Discover how our honey reaches the United States–and you–all the way from Ukraine, from meeting potential farm partners to distributing our 3-jar set directly into your hands.
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Before starting the infusion process, you need to harvest fresh herbs from your garden. Choose the herbs that are known for their benefits and flavors when infused in honey such as rosemary, thyme, lavender, and mint.
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After harvesting the herbs, wash them thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, dry them completely using a clean kitchen towel. Make sure there is no moisture left on the herbs as it can cause mold growth.
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Choose a high-quality honey for infusing, preferably raw or locally sourced. Heat the honey in a double boiler until it reaches a temperature of 95-105°F. This will make the honey more fluid and easier to infuse with the herbs.
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Take a clean, sterilized glass jar or container and add the dried herbs into it. It is important to use a jar with a tight-fitted lid to prevent any air from getting in and spoiling the infusion.
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Once the container is ready, start layering the honey and herbs. Begin with a layer of honey at the bottom, then add a layer of herbs, followed by another layer of honey. Continue this process until the container is filled, making sure to end with a layer of honey on top.
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After layering the honey and herbs, seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for at least 2-4 weeks. This aging process will allow the herbs to infuse their flavors and beneficial properties into the honey.
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After the aging period, check the infusion by tasting a small amount. If you feel that the flavor is not strong enough, you can leave it to age for a few more weeks. If the flavor is too strong, you can remove the herbs from the honey using a clean strainer.
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Once the infusion is to your liking, remove the herbs and pour the honey into a clean, sterilized jar or bottle. You can also leave a few sprigs of herbs in the bottle for decorative purposes.
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Store the infused honey in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It can last for several months if stored properly.
Minefield Honey Set
DTCare’s Role and The Cause
Minefield Honey, with the help of DTCare, a nationally registered 501(c)(3) public charity, sources delicious, rich, natural honey from local farmers in Ukraine. Even the herbs used to infuse the honey are fresh and locally grown. The honey is sourced, produced, bottled, and packaged by Ukrainian farmers and experts, all to ensure that Minefield Honey does everything possible to conserve nature and uplift economies from start to finish during the process.