Notes from a Forgotten Coast: 4 Liquid Gold

The small city of Wewahitchka, established in 1875, is located about 25 miles north of the coast in northeast Gulf County. The city takes its name from Native Americans and is believed to mean “water eyes,” because of the shape of two oblong lakes on the edge of town. The lakes are separated by a noticeable ridge that resembles the bridge of a nose. More importantly, situated along the swamps of the Apalachicola River, the city is the center of tupelo honey production. 

Most people are surprised at the cost of tupelo honey. In order to get the purest product, existing honey must be removed prior to the production tupelo trees blooming. Then, the harvest season is very short, only two to three weeks. Finally, tupelo trees are cluster in remote swamps making the retrieval of honey very difficult. Nevertheless, tupelo is considered one of the best and rarest of honeys in the United States.

The Mailbox at LL Lanier

We visited L.L. Lanier & Sons Apiary in Wewahitchka, a family business that began in the 1890s. Located on a small avenue on the edge of town, at first glance it is hard to believe that this modest operation is the source of the rare honey. Jars of the liquid gold are displayed outside the storeroom, a converted house, and the staff are employees that help in all phases of the production. While many local shops will claim to carry tupelo honey, at much more reasonable prices, caveat emptor: quality and purity vary.