Thursday, May 26, 2011

Checked out hive #1 and we have a queen! I also added another super to it.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

I know I haven't posted anything in awhile. But things have been crazy here. Just an update in my hives.

Hive #1 had decided to make a new queen. Not sure why, could have been several things. One is she got chilled, wasn't lay a good pattern or I had killed her while inspecting it. Out of those I think she got chilled when benign transported.
I added two frames of brood from the other hive so that there would be some new bees while they are queenless.

Hive #2 is doing great! I added another super and they are drawing it out nicely.
I am hoping to split this hive within a few weeks.

On another note. I went to my uncles house today and be has a top bar hive that is multiplying before my eyes. This hive is crazy happy! He just got a swarm this season and almost has his 48" long hive filled to the gills!

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Benefits of Pollen

Since bee pollen derives from plant origin its chemical composition will vary somewhat depending on plant source, season and geographic location. Approximately 50% of its structure comprises polysaccharides (carbohydrates), followed by 35% amino acids and proteins, 2% fatty acids and 3% minerals and vitamins.

Bee pollen is denser in protein than any source from animals. This can provide a much safer source of protein without the worry of high intakes of saturated fats (not to mention the numerous established links between animal proteins and cancer).

Bee pollen is a concentrated source of the B vitamin complex – this provides energy. This is why bee pollen products are usually marketed as energy supplements or ‘energizers’.

The vitamin B complex, along with vitamins A, C, D, E, selenium, lecithin and powerful phytochemicals (carotenoids and bioflavonoids) make bee pollen a potent source of antioxidants.

Besides being most well known as a natural energy booster, bee pollen supplements are also popular as weight loss products. The pollen acts on the hypothalamus in the brain which controls dietary drive and this leads to a feeling of fullness. Appetite is naturally suppressed! Additionally, bee pollen contains lecithin which both stimulates and normalizes poor metabolism, and aids in dissolution of body fats.

Bee pollen is popular with athletes because it is believed to positively impact on endurance, strength, and speed. A common belief is that bee pollen enhances recovery from a training load and improves endurance for repeat exertion.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Collecting Pollen

Before I started beekeeping I was taking pollen for a source of vitamins and minerals.  I did it cause I read that beekeepers would take pollen to help get immune to their stings so they wouldn't have a allergic reaction.  For now I only have one trap, so I have it on my strongest hive.  For the past two days I have left it on for about 6 hours each day.  And this is what I got.



Here is a closeup shot of the pollen.



I'm hoping to be able to market this and sell it either in glass muth jars or in bags like this one.