Kensington Flea feutres a wide diversity of independent artisans and vendors from across the city which includes Lignum Honey. This open-air artisan & craft market in the heart of Kensington Market is held all summer on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. until the end of October.
Lignum Honey is premium honey that is sourced straight from apiaries in Jamaica and brought back to Toronto. Kenneth Benjamin, the owner of Lignum Honey, felt it was time to share the Jamaican culture with Toronto through honey.
Lignum Honey presents honey like no one else has ever before. You can find different flavours from Mango Blossom, Blue Mountain Coffee Blossom, Scotch Bonnet Pepper, Ginger and Logwood varietals. Honey is a huge part of the Jamaican culture. Benjamin says it is constant in many of their dishes and baked goods. It is also a staple in any household for medicinal purposes.
Before Lignum was formed, Benjamin would have to wait until a trip back home in order to score some of the liquid gold and once he got home, he would use it only when necessary due to the cost of getting some more. It was exactly that frustration that guided him to seek out another way to get Jamaican honey on a consistent basis. What started out as Benjamin ordering a couple of gallons to split with his family and friends quickly turned into something he could have never imagined overnight. Thus, Lignum was born simply through word of mouth.
Lignum is sourced from personally-selected apiaries. Benjamin knows all of his suppliers on a personal basis, as he believes a strong personal relationship makes for a successful business endeavour. Plus, he agrees it's much more satisfying seeing those around you also succeed. All of Lignum Honey's suppliers are committed to not only sustainable beekeeping practices, but to keeping beekeeping as natural as possible. He believes that only contributes to the high quality of his products.
Lignum is an experience in the same way jerk chicken, the sandy beaches and vibrant culture of the island is enjoyed. It's the reason he loves doing markets so much. To see the expression of people when they taste Lignum Honey for the first time is both addictive and affirming for Benjamin. He also comes across people who swear they hate honey, until they try Lignum and become one of his most loyal customers. Doing farmers markets keeps Benjamin connected to his customers and his purpose.
His next plans are to do some more marketing to expand the reach and awareness of the brand to spread this great product that comes out of Jamaica. He wants to curate original dishes for their upcoming Lignum cookbook and bring some new and unique varietals and infusions of honey to our customers. This journey is an educational one for Kenneth much as it is for his customers. He continuously is on the lookout to bring together Jamaican and Toronto culture in creative and fun ways.
Lignum Honey is currently scheduled to be vending at Kensington Market every weekend until the end of October (weather-permitting) except for Canada day long weekend.
