Clawson Farmers Market Profile: Dunbar Honey Farm Brings Buzz to Clawson

If you pass Jerry Dunbar's booth at the , you'll see honey in different forms — honeycombs, lip balm, honey sticks, propolis and other products made from natural honey.

Dunbar owns the Roseville-based Dunbar Honey Farm and said his honey is natural and free of antibiotics, pesticides and chemicals.

Dunbar has bees in seven locations across Michigan with 2-5 hives on each site. One hive processes about 40 pounds of honey a year. 

"People ask for me to put bee hives on their property for pollination," he said.

Dunbar described the bee hives as "therapeutic because it's like you're watching a magical show."

Dunbar said studies have shown that honey is healthy for the body and builds up the immune system. He said natural honey helped his wife cope with illness.

"You can't get fat eating honey," he said. "It's a natural product for the human body."

The propolis is unique because it acts as a liquid bandage that can heal cuts to the skin. Bees collect propolis from leaf buds and tree bark and make nests from it.

Honey sticks contain raw, unfiltered honey and are popular with children. 

Dunbar has been a beekeeper for 40 years. He collects the honey, packages it and exports orders. For more information call 1-586-770-9953 or visit the Dunbar Honey Farm blog.

The Clawson Farmers Market is open every Sunday through September 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Clawson City Park on W. Elmwood Avenue.