Rochester, N.Y. - You could say Seaway Trail Honey is the sweetest kept secret of Rochester.
“I've been keeping bees for over 35 years off and on as a hobbyist,” Pat Bono, owner of Seaway Trail Honey said.
Bono only started making money from her honey seven years ago.
“I use the motto always pure and natural. I don't use any chemicals with the bees, I minimally process it,” Bono said.
Bono’s honey is also certified kosher.
It’s a high standard people at the Presidential Inauguration will get to sink their teeth into January 21st.
The honey will be served alongside Hudson Valley Apple Pie with sour cream ice cream and aged cheddar.
“The honey won't just be a part of a recipe or a product it will be right there on a plate,” Bono said. “My honey - great.”
Seaway Trail Honey and Tierce Riesling; a wine made by three finger lakes wineries were hand picked by Chairman of the Inaugural ceremonies, Senator Chuck Schumer.
“It's going to shine a spotlight on two of New York's great industries, the wine industry where we're one of the best in the country and honey where we're best in the country as well,” Senator Schumer said.
New York's honey industry is one of the nations largest.
According to the most recently available data, it ranks tenth in total production in 2010.
In 2009, New York honey producers made more than three million pounds of honey; racking up $5.3M in sales.
Bono is a part of that; she produces about 1,000 pounds each year.
“I'm happy with the production I have now and would like to sell to more local shops,” Bono said.
With inaugural spotlight, that's bound to happen.
Bono makes her honey from her farm in Wayne County, but it is sold in a few stores in Rochester and farmers markets.
Bono’s honey was just judged as best honey in New York State at the 2012 state fair.
