For the past few years, the media has been buzzing about bees.
Reduction in colonies and erratic behavior has been a worldwide concern.
CCD (Colony Collapse Disorder) has been keeping scientists busy trying to
investigate the why's of the sudden disappearance of worker bees in the Western
honey bee colony. By 2007, a group of commercial beekeepers in the U.S.
reported bee colony losses between 30-90%.
What would life look life without bees? The British Beekeepers
Association indicates that one third of our food is pollinated by bees. Bees
effect a significant amount of the global food industry - two hundred and
fifteen billion dollars worth.
Mark Brubaker, from Gardeners, PA, delivers raw honey to The Healthy Grocer. A
family owned business, started by his father, approximately ten workers (all
family) can be seen working with the 25,000 bee colonies on his property.
"We work to keep the bees alive and pollinating," says Brubaker.
Brubaker also works with other beekeepers in Washington state, Michigan
and Florida to source other honey options including buckwheat honey, orange blossom honey and bee pollen.
"Bee pollen consists of bee saliva and enzymes, mixed with pollen
that the bees have brought back to the hive on their bodies. The bees pack the
pollen into granules; honey and nectar are sometimes added to the granules. Bee
pollen contains small amounts of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein,
and fat. Bee pollen will vary from batch to batch and by location, because the
pollen component will be unique to the plants the bees have visited. If pollen
is collected from residential or farming areas where pesticides and other
chemicals are used, these will remain in the final product," according to
Aisle 7.
Brubaker indicates that while his family does not source bee pollen, he
is happy to work with a Michigan beekeeper for it. "It's a lot of
work."
A special pollen trap is used at the entrance of bee hives. The
responsible beekeeper has to check the trap daily as the contents are wet and
can quickly grow mold. "It's a perishable crop," says Brubaker.
Bee pollen can then be dehydrated upon
collection to eliminate moisture or can be immediately frozen for future use.
While "Modern clinical evidence of the medicinal
properties of bee pollen is lacking," Livestrong.org indicates "People use it to improve athletic performance and memory, prevent hay fever and
treat respiratory infections, endocrine problems and colitis." However,
use with caution. Strong allergic reactions have been found to occur.
Raw honey, however, contains carbohydrates to help stamina and locally sourced honey is often used to support seasonal respiratory support. Since ancient times, honey has been used for it antibacterial properties in supporting the healing of wounds. In Ayurveda (the world's oldest healing system), honey is a key ingredient in jump starting the digestive tract first thing in the morning. Boiled water is cooled to a tolerable temperature in a cup, lemon juice is added and a tablespoon of raw honey follows. Drink before consuming any other liquid or food.
Supporting local beekeeper, Brubaker, may just help the bees and our health.
- Susan Kiskis, General Manager
