Bees are fascinating creatures. They’ve never frightened me. I’ve been stung a handful of times over the years and so far I don’t seem to have an allergy to them. Several years ago I took the time to sit and watch them at work. That summer, the window boxes and pots on my deck held a profusion of begonia plants. The flowers provided a great deal of beneficial work for the bees.
When I was little, we used to attend the Essex Junction Fair (now the Champlain Valley Expo). It has a great tradition as an agricultural fair as many summer fairs do. I was fascinated by the honeycombs and my mother bought them for us to use at home. It was a long time until I realized honey came in jars.
Honey is a perfect natural element. It’s rich in antioxidants and minerals. It’s helpful to our immune systems and has many other benefits. The really cool thing is the color and flavor may be affected by the primary plants pollinated by the bees. Most of us consume a clover-based honey, light and sweet. But there are all different types of honey. Other plants that influence honey are buckwheat, lavender, goldenrod, mint, citrus, etc. Each impacts the honey differently. Visit some farmer’s markets in your area and look for uncommon varieties. Your tummy will thank you.
Beekeeping and honey production are featured briefly in my novel, just enough to whet your appetite for a spoonful in your next cup of tea!