This Stardew Valley guide delves into the often-overlooked profitability of honey production. Honey is a valuable artisan good, easily cultivated and significantly boosted by the Artisan profession. This guide covers everything from building bee houses to maximizing honey yields and utilizing honey in crafting and gifting.
Bee House Construction:
To produce honey, you'll need a Bee House, unlocked at Farming Level 3. The recipe requires:
- 40 Wood
- 8 Coal
- 1 Iron Bar
- 1 Maple Syrup
Alternatively, obtain one from the Fall Crops Bundle (Community Center) or the Mayor's Prize Counter. Place the Bee House outdoors (not in the Greenhouse); it produces honey every 3-4 days (year-round on Ginger Island), except in winter. Harvesting honey with an axe or pickaxe will drop any ready honey.
Flowers and Honey Types:
Proximity to flowers determines honey type and value. Wild Honey (100g base, 140g with Artisan) is produced without nearby flowers. Planting flowers within five tiles influences honey type:
| Honey Type | Base Sell Price | Artisan Sell Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tulip | 160g | 224g |
| Blue Jazz | 200g | 280g |
| Sunflower | 260g | 364g |
| Summer Spangle | 280g | 392g |
| Poppy | 380g | 532g |
| Fairy Rose | 680g | 952g |
Note: Harvesting flowers before honey collection reverts the honey to Wild Honey. Wild seeds don't affect honey type.
Honey Uses:
High-value honeys are best sold directly. Wild Honey and cheaper varieties serve other purposes:
- Mead: Use honey in a Keg to produce Mead (200g base, 280g with Artisan). Aging in a Cask increases quality and value (Silver: 250g/350g, Gold: 300g/420g, Iridium: 400g/560g). Honey type doesn't affect Mead value.
- Crafting: Combine honey, hardwood, and fiber to craft a Warp Totem: Farm (Farming Level 8).
- Gifting: Honey is a liked gift for most villagers (except Maru and Sebastian), making Wild Honey ideal for friendship building. Mead is also well-received (avoid Penny, Sebastian, and children).
This comprehensive guide empowers you to establish a thriving honey operation in Stardew Valley, significantly boosting your farm's profitability and social standing. Remember to leverage the Artisan profession and strategic flower placement for maximum returns.
