Do you know what month it is?
That is right it is National Honey Month!!! We get so buzzed about talking about bees, honey, beekeeping, flowers, gardening, and all things related. For us, each year brings about something new to learn or explore. This year we have been learning A LOT about plants and how they work. We decided it was time to share more about what the bees eat and why it is important for them to have a sustainable food source. We are so happy to share some new facts with you and hope you learn something new too!
1- There are some fruits and vegetables that self- sow during the fall. If the flowers drop their seeds into the soil, they will grow the next spring. Pumpkins, tomatoes, carrots, and lettuce are just a few that do this.
2- Honeybees make everything in their hives from propolis to honey their job is constantly going. One of the best treats that you can get from the beehive is called honeycomb. It has a chewy texture, is sweet, and is fun to eat! Some people are not used to the waxy texture. If that is the case try using it with food; some things we use it for are charcuterie boards, fish, French toast, or pancakes.
3-Bees have pollen baskets on the back of their legs. Bees will collect pollen, add bee spit, and then place the ball of pollen into their baskets to take back to the beehive.
4-Many people love using honey in tea and coffee to sweeten their day. The best way to keep all of the benefits of raw honey is to add it to the tea or coffee when it has cooled down.
5-There are no drone bees allowed in the hive for winter. Drone bees do not work and they become another mouth to feed in the winter time. So, the ladies force the drone bees out of the hive and it becomes a girl party until spring!
6-Pesticides are not the only chemical that are killing bees. Herbicides are just as harmful because they contain glyphosate. It is harmful for the bee babies, affects the bees ability to stay healthy, and it is actually harmful for humans too.
7- Bee pollen are little pellets of flower pollen, mixed with bee spit, and then taken and used as food in the beehive. Many people use this amazing gift from the hive for their health. Some ways that people use it is in smoothies or just swallow with some water. We recommend all of our customers to start super small to avoid health issues.
8- Some countries will have a frame of honeycomb hanging with their food buffets. People can cut off small chunks to eat with their meal! What a buzzing idea!
9- Did you know that bees have little hairs all over their body…including their legs? This is how honeybees are able to carry so much pollen from one plant to the next!
If you learned something new please share with everyone you know and spread the word about how special bees are!! Help save the bees with us!!
From our hive to yours,
Bee Queen
The Honey Cottage 