Bee America - Varietal & Artisanal Honeys and Honey Gifts

03/02/2024

We've been aware that lights from skyscrapers can disorient birds and loud sounds underwater can deafen whales, but it's only been recently that scientists have discovered that air pollution is changing how flowers smell. These altered scents have made it difficult for pollinators to find their traditional nectar sources. Although the effects of light and noise pollution are better understood, the consequences of scent pollution on creatures that depend upon their sense of smell to make sense of their environment is just beginning to be explored. However, results from initial studies suggest that the impact of scent pollution could have significant impacts on the fruits and vegetables we eat that depend on pollinators. https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2024/02/08/air-pollution-pollinator-moths/

12/29/2023

We love this creative solution to help protect elephants in Africa and how honeybees are key to this successful conservation strategy!

-Courtesy of the American Museum of Natural History

12/04/2023

Be on the look out for fake honey. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that 10% of the honey imported is fraudulent and that is a lot since 70% of the honey consumed in the US is imported. Honey fraud can be when high-value honey is diluted with lower-cost sweetener such as bulk honey or high-fructose corn syrup. Knowing where your honey comes from will help combat this fraud. By local whenever possible or make sure that your honey is true-sourced.
https://www.truesourcehoney.com/about

10/10/2023

Honey is truly amazing. It is loaded with vitamins, minerals and bacteria-fighting enzymes. Researchers report that honey also contains a variety of polyphenol compounds, which are powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants can help prevent heart disease and cancer.

Studies have shown that honey has a positive effect on lipid profiles by reducing total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides. In contrast, high-density lipoprotein levels increase.

While still investigating the mechanism(s) that make honey heart-healthy, one reason maybe be that honey contains compounds similar to niacin (Vitamin B3). Niacin (prescribed as nicotinic acid) helps to decrease high triglyceride levels. Honey also encourages the body to release insulin, which also lowers triglyceride levels.

So when you enjoy your honey, know that eating or drinking it can actually help keep you healthy!

Some studies suggest that honey may lower triglycerides, but scientists are not sure how this process works. Learn more about the potential benefits.

09/13/2023

One of the best ways to keep your yard environmentally sustainable is to let "nature take its course" with regard to the natural cycle of life and death. This news article reminds of us one of our most beloved books, The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.

You can help your garden — and the planet — by leaving the decaying logs and stumps where they are.

08/31/2023

Love how local beekeepers in Hamilton, Ontario "swarmed" together to not only rescue literally MILLIONS of bees, but also save the public from a potentially very dangerous situation. Beekeepers are truly super heroes!

A dozen beekeepers converged to help rescue a swarm of angry bees that escaped when their boxes fell off a truck in Burlington, Ontario, on Wednesday.

07/06/2023

At Bee America, we are champions of not only pollinators, but a wide variety of insects. We highly recommend reading this article if you care about fireflies. It documents that 1 in 3 firefly species in the United States and Canada may be threatened with extinction. They are bellwethers of climate change and this drastic reduction in their numbers indicate the troubling state of their habitats across North America. The article also includes suggestions of how we can help save them. The most important action we can take is turn off outside lights at night.

Nearly 1 in 3 firefly species in the United States and Canada may be threatened with extinction, according to an estimate from firefly experts.

07/06/2023

Cool Science: Venus fly traps grow longer flower stalks to prevent themselves from trapping and eating visiting pollinators!

Explore this post and more from the todayilearned community

06/16/2023

While we're all about bees here at Bee America, we need to give a shout-out to moths and their critical role in pollinating wild and crop plants. Turns out that they're vitally important in pollinating many of our favorite summer fruits including strawberries, peaches, nectarines and plums. Unfortunately, moth populations have drastically declined in the past 50 years, so it's vital to support their conservation in order to help maintain a healthy environment.

These “important, but overlooked” insects may be more sensitive to urbanization than bees, the researchers say.

05/17/2023

Did you know that bees are most attracted to blue and purple flowers? Find out how to optimize your garden so that bees, other insect pollinators, and birds find a buffet of healthy options. As climate change, habitat loss and a lack of food and water sources continue to threaten pollinators' health and very existence, creating gardens to attract and sustain them helps to ensure that they will continue to be able to do their important job of pollination.

Before leaping at a new variety of your favorite plant, consider whether the change in shape, color or bloom time may alter its appeal to pollinators.