This guide explores honey production in Stardew Valley, a surprisingly lucrative and often overlooked artisanal pursuit. Honey's ease of cultivation and significant profit potential make it a worthwhile endeavor for players of all skill levels, from casual farmers to aspiring honey magnates. This guide has been updated to reflect the latest additions and changes in version 1.6.
Bee House Construction
Honey production hinges on the Bee House, unlocked at Farming Level 3. One Bee House requires:
- 40 Wood
- 8 Coal
- 1 Iron Bar
- 1 Maple Syrup
Alternatively, a Bee House can be obtained by completing the Fall Crops Bundle in the Community Center or as a prize from the Mayor's Prize Counter.
Bee Houses, placed outdoors (farm, forest, quarry), produce honey every 3-4 days in all seasons except winter. On Ginger Island, production is year-round. They can be moved using an axe or pickaxe; any ready honey will drop. Note: Bee Houses in the Greenhouse are unproductive.
Honey Types and Flower Influence
Without nearby flowers (within five tiles, including those in Garden Pots), Bee Houses yield Wild Honey (100g, 140g with Artisan profession). Surrounding flowers determine honey type and value. Harvesting the flowers before collecting honey reverts the yield to Wild Honey.
The Artisan profession (Farming Level 10) boosts Artisan goods by 40%. Here's a price comparison:
| Honey Type | Base Sell Price | Artisan Sell Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tulip Honey | 160g | 224g |
| Blue Jazz Honey | 200g | 280g |
| Sunflower Honey | 260g | 364g |
| Summer Spangle | 280g | 392g |
| Poppy Honey | 380g | 532g |
| Fairy Rose Honey | 680g | 952g |
Wild Seeds (e.g., Sweet Peas, Daffodils) don't affect honey type.
Honey Applications
While higher-value honeys are best sold directly, Wild Honey and less expensive varieties serve other purposes:
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Mead: Honey in a Keg produces Mead (200g base, boosted by Artisan). Aging in a Cask increases quality and value (Silver: 250g, Gold: 300g, Iridium: 400g). Honey type doesn't affect Mead's value.
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Crafting: Honey, Hardwood, and Fiber create a Warp Totem: Farm (Farming Level 8).
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Community Center: Honey completes the Artisan Bundle.
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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, except by Penny, Sebastian, and children.
This comprehensive guide empowers you to harness the potential of honey production in Stardew Valley, transforming your farm into a profitable and aesthetically pleasing haven.
