Residents of Wilkinson County Mississippi not only enjoy beautiful, fragrant magnolias-they also enjoy some of the finest honey produced. The bees that produce this exquisite honey have been bred right here in Wilkinson County since 1947. The original hives were purchased in 1950 by a fifth generation beekeeper from South Dakota. Today he owns 75,000 bee colonies, making him the largest independent honey producer in the world. To this very day, he returns each spring to breed his bees and grow his queens. When asked why he favored Wilkinson County over the many other counties in the United States, he explained  that the isolation of the area lessens the risk of disease commonly known to affect bees. In addition, luscious clover and low wind conditions make the area ideal for breeding bees. Each October finds him and his hives traveling from South Dakota to California where the bees pollinate almond orchards. From there, twenty one eighteen-wheelers transport the bees to Wilkinson County where the familiar white bee boxes dot the countryside until early summer.

This very honey is the secret to Magnolia Honey Jelly.

Shan Miller, the founder of Magnolia Honey Jelly, began her venture after she and husband David moved to Woodville, Mississippi. In 1995, Shan's husband, David, inherited his childhood home. This majestic Greek Revival structure, built in 1876, was in need of extensive repair.

During their remodeling efforts, the Miller's searched for ways to help cover the expenses. Recalling a delicious honey jelly, Shan began recreating and reinventing the recipe in her kitchen.thus Magnolia Honey Jelly was born.