Pollen: Why do bees and humans want it?
Pollen: What is it? We see pollen coming into the hive packed on the honey bees’ hind legs, we see it as a kaleidoscope of color packed in the cells of a frame of comb, but what is it really and why do the bees collect it. A basic answer is that pollen is the […]
Mono-Culture Landscapes, Sunflowers, and Honeybee Health
Introduction Landscapes can affect parasite cause and distribution in wild and agricultural animals. Honeybees are threatened by loss of floral resources and by parasites, principally the mite Varroa destructor and the viruses it carries. Existing mite control relies heavily on chemical treatments that can adversely affect bees. Alternative, pesticide-free control methods are needed to mitigate infestation with […]
Superfood for Honeybees
Introduction A variety of insects can produce honey — bumblebees, stingless bees, even honey wasps — but only honeybees (Apis species) produce enough to stock grocery store shelves. This ability didn’t happen overnight; it was millions of years in the making. Bees made the split from wasps around 120 million years ago, during a surge in […]
Honeybee Medicine Cabinet
Introduction The coevolutionary dependencies between pollinators and plants has enabled pollinators including honeybees to derive benefits from pollen and nectar but today they face challenges from declining natural flowering habitats and diverse floral (polyfloral) resources. They are also affected by increasing metabolic stressors, such as the exposure to plant protection products (agrochemicals), dietary limitation, monofloral diets, […]
Fermented Honey Garlic Recipe
Are you tired of being SICK and TIRED? Making a batch of fermented honey garlic is one of the best things you can do to boost your immune system and be prepared for the cold and flu season. A little bit goes a long way so let’s get ready! Raw honey and garlic are well […]
Properties of Honey
Honey is HYGROSCOPIC: Honey has the ability to absorb and retain moisture. Because of this property it is able to absorb water-soluble chemicals from plants and is why it’s such a great medium for herbal infusions. Honey is ANTIMICROBIAL / ANTIBACTERIAL / ANTIFUNGAL / ANTIVIRAL An antimicrobial is an agent that kills microorganisms or stops […]
Festive Holiday Honey Drinks
It’s hard to believe the holiday season is in full swing! Didn’t we just say it was Black Friday! While you’re out shopping I’m sure you stop by that specialty coffee shop to pick up your favorite drink dripping with no calories. Have you noticed that many have HONEY in them. This wonderful ingredient has […]
