Sweet Profits: Unlocking Honey Farming Secrets in Stardew Valley

This Stardew Valley guide delves into the often-overlooked profitability of honey production. While farming and animal husbandry are central, crafting artisan goods offers significant income potential, and honey is a prime example. This guide, updated January 9, 2025, covers all aspects of honey production, incorporating updates from version 1.6.

Bee House Construction

Honey production begins with the Bee House. Unlocked at Farming Level 3, it requires:

• 40 Wood
• 8 Coal
• 1 Iron Bar
• 1 Maple Syrup

Alternatively, a Bee House can be obtained by completing the Fall Crops Bundle or as a Prize Counter reward. Place the Bee House outdoors (not in the Greenhouse); it produces honey every 3-4 days in all seasons except winter (year-round on Ginger Island). Harvesting the honey removes it; use an axe or pickaxe.

Flowers and Honey Varietals

Proximity to flowers dictates honey type and value. Wild Honey (100g/140g with Artisan) is produced without nearby flowers. Flowers within five tiles (including Garden Pots) influence honey type and price. Harvesting the flower before honey collection reverts it to Wild Honey.

Artisan Profession (Farming Level 10) boosts artisan goods by 40%. Prices are:

Wild Seeds don't affect honey type.

Honey Uses

High-value honey is best sold directly. Lower-value honey serves other purposes:

Mead: Honey in a Keg produces Mead (200g base/280g Artisan). Aging in a Cask increases quality and value:

• Normal: 200g (280g)
• Silver: 250g (350g)
• Gold: 300g (420g)
• Iridium: 400g (560g)

Honey type doesn't affect Mead value. Wild Honey maximizes profit.

Crafting: Honey, Hardwood, and Fiber craft a Warp Totem: Farm (Farming Level 8).

Bundles: Honey completes the Community Center's Artisan Bundle.

Gifting: Honey (especially Wild Honey) is a favored gift for most villagers (except Maru and Sebastian). Mead is also well-received (avoid Penny, Sebastian, and children). This makes honey an excellent tool for building relationships.