Bees can be considered as sluggish creatures.
Just like bees are known for their hardworking nature, this trait has been recognized for a long time. But do they really work that hard, and how do they choose which flowers to pollinate? An expert shares his knowledge on bees and honey production.
Blossom, lime blossom, summer blossom, rapeseed, acacia, or forest honey - you may find various types of honey at supermarkets or from beekeepers. But how do beekeepers direct their busy bees to go for specific nectar collection? Stefan Traßl, from the Hohes Fichtelgebirge Beekeepers' Association, has the answer. "The choice of variety depends on the time of year and where the beehives are located," he says. He further explains the intricacies of beekeeping, including storage instructions for honey.
How do bees determine which flowers to visit?
Time plays a crucial role in selecting specific varietals. For example, the bees cannot collect nectar for rapeseed or blossom honey in June. Instead, they gather nectar for these varieties in April and May, when all fruit trees are in bloom, as well as maple and sloe trees. Blackthorn trees produce acacia honey.
The early summer bloom period occurs in June and July. A general rule is that "when the hawthorn blossoms, the time for early blossom honey is over. You then need to remove the bees from the collection area, or else it will be too dark," Traßl explains.
Why do honey varieties taste different each year?
"If you want the same taste every year, you should rely on large brands. They combine 30 to 40 varieties from around the world," Traßl mentions. However, he prefers the unique taste of local honey produced by his bees. "Each colony always visits the same flowers, like one colony going to fruit blossoms and the other going to sloe blossoms," he elaborates. Honey extraction involves removing honey from the combs.
How far do bees fly?
"Bees only fly the distance necessary," he says. They manage a maximum of 3.5 kilometers. If they find what they're looking for within 50 meters, they won't fly further. "You could say they're efficient," he adds with a smile.
To move a bee colony to a new location, it must be at least four kilometers away from the old one. "Otherwise, they'll return to their previous territory," says Traßl, who is the head of an association with 363 bee colonies near Bayreuth.
Why can bees only travel up to 3.5 kilometers?
A bee's honey stomach has a specific capacity, and collecting nectar demands a certain amount of energy. "While flying, a bee consumes this energy as it would in a car. When the bee returns to the hive, it must ensure its tank is never empty to avoid problems," Traßl explains. A bee colony requires approximately 50 kilograms of honey for itself.
What leads to poor honey harvests?
Weather conditions and climate change affect beekeepers. Poor years occur when temperatures drop to -9°C during the ice saints' days, and flowers freeze. "If the bees flew too far, they might not have enough energy to fly back with their honey," Traßl explains.
Why shouldn't honey be kept on the windowsill?
Honey doesn't like heat or light. "Store the honey in a cool, dark place, preferably in a box or in your kitchen cabinet," he advises. Traßl notes that excessive exposure to light destroys the enzyme glucose oxidase in honey, which has antibacterial properties. While the honey tastes the same, it loses its ability to soothe sore throats.
An attempt by the German Beekeepers' Association to address this issue by filling honey in brown jars was unsuccessful. "Customers didn't purchase brown jars," he says.
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Bees, as part of the animal kingdom, are not the only insects that play crucial roles in ecosystems. Many insects, including bees, contribute significantly to pollination, helping to ensure the survival of various plant species and contributing to food production.
In the context of education, understanding the role and importance of bees and other insects can be a valuable topic in science and environmental studies classes, helping students develop an appreciation for biodiversity and the interconnectedness of different species in ecosystems.
Source: www.ntv.de
