Stardew Valley's Sweet Success: A Comprehensive Guide to Honey Production

This guide delves into the often-overlooked world of honey production in Stardew Valley, a surprisingly profitable and rewarding endeavor. Beyond simply growing crops and raising animals, crafting artisan goods offers significant economic advantages, and honey is a prime example. This updated guide incorporates the latest information from version 1.6.

Bee House Construction

Honey production hinges on the humble Bee House. Unlocking this recipe requires reaching Farming Level 3. Each Bee House demands:

• 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 random prize from the Mayor's Prize Counter.

Place your Bee House outdoors – farm, forest, quarry – anywhere works! Honey production occurs every 3-4 days in all seasons except Winter. Ginger Island offers year-round honey production. Relocate Bee Houses using an axe or pickaxe; any ready honey will drop. Note that Bee Houses in the Greenhouse remain unproductive.

Flowers and Honey Varieties

The type of honey produced depends on the flowers within a five-tile radius of the Bee House. Without nearby flowers, it yields Wild Honey (100g, 140g with Artisan). Flowers, including those in Garden Pots, significantly impact honey type and value. Harvesting flowers before collecting honey reverts the yield to Wild Honey.

The Artisan profession (Farming Level 10) boosts artisan goods by 40%. Here's a breakdown of honey types and their values:

Wild Seeds (e.g., Sweet Peas, Daffodils) produce only Wild Honey.

Honey Applications

While premium honeys are best sold directly, Wild Honey and less valuable varieties have other uses:

• Mead: Place honey in a Keg to produce Mead. Aging in a Cask increases quality and value. Honey type doesn't affect Mead's value; Wild Honey is the most profitable option.

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

• Crafting: Combine honey with Hardwood and Fiber to craft a Warp Totem: Farm (Farming Level 8).

• Community Center: Honey fulfills the Artisan Bundle requirement.

• Gifting: Honey is a well-liked gift for most villagers, making Wild Honey an excellent choice for friendship building. Mead is also a popular gift (avoid Penny, Sebastian, and children).

This comprehensive guide empowers you to transform your farm into a honey haven, maximizing profits and enriching your Stardew Valley experience. Remember to strategically plant flowers to optimize your honey production!