Celebrating Women Beekeepers

In honor of Women’s History month, we are celebrating all the female beekeepers out there doing their part to save the bee! We’re feeling inspired by these stories of noteworthy ladies and their hives.

I bet you didn’t know there was a queen in the White House! In 2009, First Lady Michelle Obama installed one in the kitchen gardens. Last year, Second Lady Karen Pence added a second hive to the Vice President’s residence.

For her wedding gift in 2009, Scarlett Johansson received a bee hive from none other than Samuel L Jackson. He told the Independent, "Scarlett was always talking about how the bees were dying and the planet was going to die," so he gifted her everything she needed to become a beekeeper herself.

The heroine from the Sound of Music, Maria Von Trapp, was not only a real person, but also a female beekeeper! After moving to America and establishing a farm in Vermont, Maria took up beekeeping. The Trapp Family Lodge is still operating today and open to visitors.

Dr. Eva Crane first became interested in bees when she was gifted with a hive in 1942 to help supplement the wartime sugar rations. Though she was trained as a mathematician, she studied bees for the majority of her life, and “wrote some of the most important books on bees and apiculture” according to the New York Times.

Sylvia Plath’s father was a beekeeper, and she carried on the family tradition later in her life. Plath was enamored with her hive and wrote five poems chronicling her experience becoming a beekeeper. Her poems remind us of our first experiences around bees, and this time of year this line rings particularly true-

“The bees are flying. They taste the spring.”

- Wintering, Sylvia Plath

To all of the wonderful women beekeepers out there- thank you! We appreciate your investment in our pollinators, and would love to hear your stories.

World Water Day 2018

March 22^nd is the United Nations World Water Day. By early spring here in Oregon we tend to feel like water is abundant, especially the type that falls from the sky. Unfortunately for the world, fresh and clean water is not always available. According to the United Nations, 1 in 6 people in the world do not have access to safe freshwater and a global temperature increase of 2% will result in 3 Billion people experiencing water stress or draught.

Bad news. What can we do to make the world just a little bit better, and help ensure access to clean and healthy water for all?

Think Global, Act Local:

Here are some acts we as individuals can do to protect our water supply and ensure future generations have access to clean water.

Refill your reusable water bottle at the tap. Buying a bottle of water uses 700% more water than refilling at the tap or watercooler.
Eat a vegetarian meal. Replacing 4 oz. of meat with a vegetarian option saves 3,000 gallons of water. Learn more here: http://waterfootprint.org/en/water-footprint/product-water-footprint/water-footprint-crop-and-animal-products/
Compost your garden. Composting reduces watering needs by one third. Learn how to set up a water wise garden here: https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/gardens/northwest-water-wise-garden-plans
Build a rain barrel. A rain barrel that catches water from your roof can be used to water your lawn and garden all year long. Buy a rain barrel at GloryBee LINK.

Scientists predict that as the climate changes, our part of Oregon will get drier. This is a concern for our hydroelectric dams, local agriculture, and the many amazing industries that rely on Oregon’s water supply. With the threat of long term water scarcity in mind, GloryBee has been working on reducing our industrial water used per pound of product sold. Since 2013 we have reduced our total water used by 28%.

What Do you Know About GMO’s and Honey?

GloryBee offers Non-GMO Project Verified Honey to safeguard honeybees and other pollinators against threats that contribute to declining bee populations. Sourcing is at the forefront of our minds as we strive to be a preferred partner of ingredients for healthy living. We hope to increase awareness and foster education by disclosing the impact GMOs have on the environment we share.

There are no genetically modified bees, or honey, but there are genetically modified plants that are visited by bees every year. Plants that have had their genetic makeup altered to withstand a higher threshold of toxic herbicides have a direct impact on native bee populations. Even in standard applications, herbicides affect a bee’s ability to remember how to return to a hive and communicate nearby sources of pollen to the hive once returned. This is a concern for beekeepers and farmers, as well as anyone who buys, sells or consumes honey.

Our Non-GMO Project Verified Honey has been certified by a third party to ensure bees did not visit a GMO crop, were not fed GMO sugar, and were protected from pesticide exposure. Further documentation confirms a 4-mile radius surrounding beehives is free from all high-risk commercial agriculture. High standards of detection, coupled with sampling techniques at critical control points validate our honey as being Non-GMO Project Verified.

Honey Grilled Chicken

If you're like us in the Pacific Northwest, we keep our grills and barbecues out year round. Rain or shine, grilling can be a healthier way to prepare your meals instead of baking and frying using oils.

We like to add honey to our grilling sauces. One of our favorites is our Gourmet Habanero Honey. It adds a spicy kick to the smoky barbecue flavor. Check it out!

INGREDIENTS

3 lbs. fresh chicken parts, rinsed, drained and patted dry

For Marinade

3 T olive oil

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. fresh ground pepper

juice of 1 orange , zest reserved for basting sauce

For Basting Sauce

1/2 cup ketchup

1/2 cup honey

2 T soy sauce

2 T hot chili sauce

1 clove garlic, minced

1 T fresh ginger, minced or 1 tsp. ground ginger

2 T cilantro, chopped, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

Toss the chicken pieces in plastic zipper bag with the olive oil, salt, pepper and orange juice, refrigerate.

Combine all the basting sauce ingredients, except the cilantro, into a small saucepan and cook on low for 15 minutes. Reserve 1/2 of the sauce.

Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high and cook the chicken pieces on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. With a basting brush, coat the chicken on one side, cook for 2 minutes. Turn the chicken and baste the other side, continuing to cook until the chicken is completely cooked through.

Remove the chicken from the grill and drizzle with the reserved sauce and the fresh cilantro.

TIP

Be sure to oil the grates of the grill right before put the chicken on. You can leave the chicken in the marinade overnight if you wish.

Recipe courtesy of the National Honey Board (www.honey.com)

Why Did My Bees Die? Part 2 Of 2

In our post last week, we discussed the factors and variables that can cause your hive to fail over the winter.

In this weeks post we'll round out some other common factors that can cause your hive to fail over winter.

Blocked Entrance

During winter, bees will die and fall off the cluster and onto the bottom board. If cold, the bees aren't able to perform the housekeeping chore of keeping the hive entrance cleared making it difficult for live bees to enter and exit. To prevent this, periodically clean the hive entrance with a stick or hive tool.

Enemies - Yellow Jacket Invasion

In the fall, hungry yellow jackets invade beehive to feed on bees, larvae and bee bread. This invasion can and will completely tear up the inside of a hive. A strong hive can fend off a normal amount of yellow jackets.

Prevention:
*Place yellow jacket bait traps near hive
*Reduce entrance as much as possible, but leaving enough space for bees to enter and exit
*Use a robbing screen

Absconding

There are very few reasons as to why bees would leave a perfectly good home in the fall. Some reasons though might include:

*Fleeing from irritants inside or outside the hive
*Mite treatment is overpowering
*Pesky creatures such as skunks, raccoons and bears force fleeing (there would be visual signs of this such as scraping on hive or tipped over hive)

Other Diseases & Possibilities

1. American Foul Brood - signs for AFB include spotty brood pattern, perforated sealed brood with coffee brown larvae inside, sunken sealed brood, coffee brown larvae sunken to the bottom of the cell and rotting smell.

2. Pesticide, Herbicide or Other Toxic Buildup - signs include piles of dead bees.

3. Chalkbrood - normally happens in early to late spring and rarely destroys a colony on it's own but can weaken a hive. Signs include white and moldy hard larvae or grey/black mummies in cells, on the floor or on the front of the hive.

4. Nosema - it is rare that a hive will die from Nosema. Signs include declining population, poor honey production, reduced brood production, dysentry in and around the entrance of the hive and worker bees crawling around the hive with swollen or greasy looking abdomens.

Some final thoughts in regards to what to do when your bees die. We commonly get the question on what to do with your equipment and if boxes and frames can be reused. 99% of the time they can. Here are some tips and suggestions on what to do with your equipment if your bees died:

1. Clean out dead bees and uncapped nectar.
2. Freeze frames for 48 hours.
3. Scrape out propolis from brood box.
4. Clean off burr comb from inside of the hive, inner cover and top.
5. Pull out old or broken frames. It is recommend to replace brood frames and foundation every 5 years.
6. No need to scrape wax off the frames. The bees will clean up mold off themselves.
7. Don't be discouraged! Bees love used equipment and drawn foundation will mean speedy spring build up when you get your new bees.

How Coconut Sugar can help the environment and communities

Coconut sugar is made from the sap of flower buds from coconut palm tree, and is grown in the tropics. GloryBee’s coconut sugar comes from Indonesia, from a women owned social enterprise that focuses on helping communities grow prosperity, and protect the environment. Built on the premise of healthy farming in harmony with the local environment and the values of local peoples.

Fair Trade projects include building roads to access rural communities, improving pre-school facilities for farmer’s families. Between 2014 and 2016 963 farmers received recycling and trash facilities.

By recruiting with diversity in mind and eradicating discrimination, our women owned coconut sugar supplier is working on building a safer and more prosperous world. Over 50% of employees are women, empowering women to participate in the economic framework of Indonesia.

Indonesia has a diverse flora and fauna, and by encouraging organic agriculture, Organic Coconut sugar co-ops are reducing chemical substances in the environment. With over 3,000 farmers practicing environmentally friendly agricultural practices, rural families are protected from harmful environmental chemicals.

Why did my bees die? Part 1 of 2

One thing that we know for sure about beekeeping is that it's not an exact science. There are many factors and variables that go into keeping a hive alive and healthy. Wintertime is an extra hard time for honeybees especially if they live in colder, wetter northern climates. If your bees didn't survive the winter, here's a list of top reasons why they might have died:

Varroa Mites
Moisture/Condensation in the Hive
Too Weak Going into Winter
Blocked Entrance
Starvation
Yellow Jackets
Absconding Due to Irritants
Pesticides, Herbicides or Other Toxins
Other Diseases - Nosema, AFB, Chalkbrood

Being a Detective

In order to determine the reason why your bees died, you have to become a detective. Here's what to do:

Observe the Hive Surface: Check the surface and the area around the hive and make note of any bad or unexpected smells. Are there dead bees, a complete absence of bees or a disturbance around the hive?
Remove the Outer Cover: Make note of anything under the outer cover, such as mold, moisture or something other than bees living there.
Remove the Inner Cover: Observe anything unusual on the inner cover and the top bars of the frames. Look down through the frames to make note of a cluster, if there is one, but don't remove the frames yet.
Remove the Hive Boxes: Remove them one at a time and carefully set them aside. You will examine the bottom board first. The condition of the dead bees on the bottom board, their age and location is very informative.
Inspect the Lowest Box: Return to the hive body that was the one resting on the bottom board. Begin working through the frames and then continue on up through subsequent hive bodies to the top box.

As you move throughout the hive, ask yourself these questions:

*Where is the location of the main cluster?
*Where was the food located on the frames, in relation to the location of the cluster?
*Did you find a queen?
*Were there young bees or older bees clinging to the frames?
*Were the dead bees piled under the cluster or were they lining the entrance to the hive at the front of the bottom board?
*Did you find any brood? Was the brood capped?
*When you examined the frames, what did you find in the cells?
*Do the bees have deformed wings?
*Were there signs of robbing - chewed, ragged edges to cells or signs of other critters such as mice?

After you have inspected your hive and made notes on the questions above, you can use the following clues to help determine what might have caused the die out:

Mite Clues:

If there are very few dead bees in your hive, it may mean the colony worked hard at removing them until the last minute. Try to find some dead bees on the bottom board or even on the ground nearby. Sift through them and look for bees with deformed wings. The presence of many deformed wings is a good indicator of Varroa.
If you have a bottom board or Varroa tray in place, look for mites. If the colony died from mites, you will find mites in the debris.
Look for frames of honey. A hive with plenty of honey and no bees can be a sign of Varroa. A hive with no bees and honeycomb with jagged edges indicates a weak or dead hive that was invaded by robbers, which can also be a sign of Varroa.
Examine the brood frames. Adult bees that died while emerging, or just before, may have been weakened by Varroa. These bees will have their heads facing up (bees that starved while searching for food in the cells will have their tail ends up).
Hold up the empty brood frames with the sun at your back so you can see inside the cells. If you find bright white deposits adhering to the inside of brood cells, you can be sure of a Varroa infestation. These white spots are patches of white excrement that contain about 95% pure guanine, an amino acid.

Moisture & Prevention:

Wet, cold bees are dead bees. New beekeepers may find mold in the hive and conclude that it was what caused the loss of the colony. Don't let this confuse you. You will rarely find mold in a healthy colony and the mold normally appears after the colony has died. Moisture in the hive is not a good thing. Disease organisms, fungi, and mold thrive in moist environments. In cold weather, water droplets can drip down on the bees and chill the brood. Proper ventilation is important for bee colonies year round. Bees can do really well in cold temperatures, but cold and wet is a different story.

Prevention:
*Tilt hive forward 1 inch
*Add moisture box
*Use a screened bottom board

Cluster Too Small Going into Winter

When the cluster of bees is too small going into to the colder winter months, a dead out will occur due to them not being able to create enough warmth needed to survive.

Prevention:
*Combine weak hives inf all with stronger, healthy hives
*Know your mite count even on weak hives
*Feed pollen patties in fall to make "fat bees"

Read part two of the series here.

Horticultural Hive-Mind: A Gardener’s Guide To Protecting the Bees

When you see a small, striped, stinging creature making its way from flower to flower, you might be inclined to cry out in fear. If you’re allergic or entomophobic, it’s understandable why you’d react this way. But even if you’re not particularly fond of the humble honey bee, it’s important to realize just how important these insects actually are to our own survival.

While a productive beehive can produce and store nearly two pounds of honey in just a single day, these little guys represent so much more than just the sweet stuff. In fact, you can thank bees for one out of every three bites of food you consume. With bee populations becoming more scarce, the implications for us humans are actually astronomical. By taking action to save the bees now, we’re actually making a pledge to save ourselves.

But taking on that responsibility can seem daunting. Where can we even begin? In many cases, the best place to start might be right in your own backyard. Whether you’ve got a naturally green thumb or you simply want to make good use of your garden, there are plenty of ways to help your local bees thrive without ever leaving your home.

What would happen if bees ceased to exist?

This might sound like a far-fetched dystopian novel, but it’s actually a feasible and unfortunate possibility. All across the world, bees are disappearing. There are several causes for this, including global warming, pesticide use, and habitat loss. Together, these factors have contributed to what’s known as Colony Collapse Disorder. Although one single colony can house an estimated 60,000 bees, U.S. beekeepers now estimate that nearly one-third of all honeybee colonies across the nation have vanished.

“So what?” some people might say to themselves. “That means there are fewer bees to bother me during the summertime!” But the reality is that the rapidly dwindling bee population spells disaster for humankind.

Don’t bee-lieve us? More than one-third of all crop production in the United States requires pollination. That third encompasses upwards of 90 different types of crops, including all kinds of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Bees are our nation’s primary pollinators, responsible for increasing fruit and vegetable harvest yields by up to 71% and adding at least $15 billion a year to our economy.

But what does all of that mean for you? Among other things, it means that without bees, you would never be able to enjoy many of your absolute favorite foods. Consider the following delectables that will no longer be readily available without these important pollinators.

If we lose the bees, we’ll also lose...

Apples
Oranges
Lemons
Limes
Almonds
Avocadoes
Carrots
Cucumbers and pickles
Blueberries
Cranberries
Cherries
Raspberries
Onions
Broccoli
Cantaloupe
Cashews
Cauliflower
Watermelon
Brussel sprouts
Pumpkins
Zucchini
Coffee
Mangos
Passionfruit
Apricots
Plums
Peaches
Nectarines
Pears

...And so much more. While not all of these crops are readily grown throughout the United States, the national bee population crisis mirrors similar problems the world over and could indicate a global agricultural decline. That means that if things continue to get worse for American bees, we’re in big trouble.

What can gardeners do to help?

Farming practices and protections for bees must be improved on a national scale, of course, but that may leave you feeling relatively powerless to help on your own. Don’t despair. The truth is that you can make a huge impact by incorporating certain elements and practices into your own gardening endeavors. You can easily make your backyard both beautiful and buzzy by following the tips below.

Limit your use of insecticides

As a general rule, refrain from using pesticides (including insecticides), herbicides, and other chemicals in your garden or even on your lawn. These chemicals are typically toxic to bees and can even be harmful to your plants in the long run. Even low doses of these chemicals can kill bees who are just trying to forage for food. And when pesticides are inadvertently brought back to the colony, these toxins can infect all the other bees and even the honey. Take note that even “biodegradable” pesticides can harm both bees and humans. Instead, opt for natural pesticides like ladybugs and praying mantises, neem oil, vinegar, epsom salt, or a homemade spray containing pepper, onion, or garlic.

Don’t be too quick to weed or cut

If you’re an avid gardener, you might hate the sight of weeds infiltrating your lawn or garden -- even the flowering ones. But before you get rid of those dandelions and clovers, consider that these alleged undesirables can provide lots of deliciousness for your buzzing visitors. By keeping them right where they are, you’ll be helping your bee friends thrive. The same goes for flowers and vegetables you’ve actually taken the time to plant; if you harvest or deadhead these but leave them intact until all the flowers are completely gone, you’ll be able to support pollinators during their time of need (particularly when other options aren’t readily available).
Choose plants that bees love

Bees pollinate a wide variety of plants and may visit up to 15,000 flowers in a day’s time. But there are certain ones they really adore. Native wildflowers are a very popular choice, as they’ll thrive in your climate and will be sure to attract local bees. Flowering herbs like lavender, thyme, sage, rosemary, and mint are also excellent options (plus, they’ll make your garden smell incredible and will make sure your meals are flavorful!). Sunflowers, bachelor’s buttons, black-eyed susans, bee balm, goldenrod, coneflower, daisies, calendula, and marigolds are all great, too. Don’t forget about vegetable gardens and fruit trees!

Keep in mind that single flower tops are easier for bees to access than double flower tops. You may also want to keep certain colors of plants together to make it easier for bees to find their favorites. Fun fact: blues and purples are most likely to attract bees! When you’re planning out your garden, remember to select an array of blooms that will flower from early spring until late fall. This will help to provide the most possible pollen throughout these seasons, instead of having a “feast or famine” situation on your hands. Not only will that keep the bees well-fed, but it will make certain your garden is always in bloom!

Create a water source

Bees, like all other animals, need water to survive. You can help them out by creating a shallow water source where they can drink. Fill a relatively flat container with water and be sure to include some pebbles and twigs for the bees to rest on while they hydrate. You can also use a bird bath with sloped walls. Be sure to freshen this water on a daily basis to let your visitors know they can return to this spot whenever they need a breather and some H2O.
Provide a shelter and habitat

The idea of creating a makeshift nest for wayward bees might not exactly appeal to you; after all, the last thing you want is a bunch of angry, stinging insects coming after you. But bees only sting when they perceive a threat to their environment. By creating a welcoming home for them, they’ll be very happy to spend their days foraging for food. Lone bees will often like pieces of untreated wood, uncultivated soil, wilder hedges, or muddy spots. This might not make for the prettiest site, but dedicating a tucked away corner of your garden to this cause can make these little guys very happy. If you don’t want to go to those lengths, you can at least provide some shelter from the harsher elements by being creative with the placement of your potted plants and little spots in which bees can take temporary refuge.

Buy local honey

This is something just about anyone can do, even if they don’t like to garden. Beekeeping is an amazing endeavor, but the truth is that not everyone is cut out for it. If you try to take on this responsibility without the proper knowledge, you could end up doing more harm than good. That’s why it’s important to support your local beekeepers to ensure their efforts aren’t in vain. And while it hasn’t been totally proven, there is evidence to suggest that local honey can be the best thing for your allergies!

Know how to aid a tired bee

Have you ever seen a bee who seems to be struggling to fly? You might assume that it’s injured or worse, but this sweet bee might actually just be worn out. It’s usually pretty easy to revive them and get the buzz back in their wings. Just mix together two tablespoons of white, granulated sugar (no artificial sweeteners or honey from your cupboard!) and one tablespoon of water, then place on a plate or a spoon and bring the bee to drink. You can even put this mixture in a small, shallow container and leave it somewhere in your garden to keep your friends from getting too tired on-the-go. If you find a wet bee out in the rain, bring to a place where it can get dry; if you see a bee lying motionless on a flower, keep in mind that it may simply be resting, so don’t be too quick to try to move it and feed it.

Make your hometown a Bee City

If you want to make even more of an impact outside your garden, you can become a champion for the bees on a city level. Organizations like Bee City USA support the creation of sustainable bee habitats and endorse a set of commitments for townships that want to take steps to protect these populations. Currently, there are 70 certified Bee Cities throughout the country that have pledged to make a difference in their communities. For those who are already doing everything they can on the homefront but who want to precipitate more change, this can be a viable option along with becoming more involved with bee conservation organizations on a global scale.

Why you should embrace your flower power

If you aren’t a fan of insects or yearn for a neat, precise garden space, you might not relish the thought of inviting bees to the botanical buffet. But remember: our future depends on these so-called pests. By making room for them in our gardens and appealing to their taste buds, we can help preserve this declining population and allow them to make a buzzworthy comeback. Ultimately, that’s to everyone’s benefit, as our nation needs these bees to stay alive ourselves. Making relatively small adjustments in your garden and in your lifestyle could make all the difference in their population and in our planet as a whole.

Korean-Style Honey Flank Steak

This will be the absolute best flank steak you've ever had and you'll never use another recipe again! This recipe is fast, simple and family approved. And since you're only using a sheet pan for cooking, there's little to clean up! Perfect for a quick week night meal or for entertaining a group. Enjoy!

Ingredients

⅓ cup soy sauce

⅓ cup Glory Bee Ⓡ Artisan Fermented Honey

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

5 garlic cloves, minced

2” piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 pound flank steak

2 tablespoons preferred vegetable oil

1 head butter lettuce

Toasted sesame seeds

Chopped green onion

Directions

1. In a large zip-top bag combine soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and pepper

flakes. Place steak in bag and turn to coat with marinade. Seal bag, place in a bowl, and

refrigerate at least 4 hours or up to overnight.

2. Preheat oven to 350℉.

3. In a large, heavy skillet (preferably cast iron), heat oil over medium-high. When oil just

starts to smoke, add steak. Cook, turning once, until deeply browned on both sides,

about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking sheet and place in oven to finish cooking

to desired degree of doneness (127℉ for medium-rare, 140℉ for medium).

4. Let steak rest 5 minutes before slicing. Thinly slice and serve with lettuce leaves, topped

with sesame seeds and green onion.

The Change We Seek: Save the Bee

B Corps are businesses that are working together to create a better world, using business as a force for good. Becoming a B Corp 2 years ago is helping us meet our goals.

What is GloryBee doing to be a force for good?

Save the Bee is GloryBee’s social initiative program to protect Honey Bee’s from colony collapse disorder. Started in 2008, Save the Bee uses research, education, and outreach to save our favorite pollinator.

Why Save the Bee?

Bees pollinate an estimated $15 billion in crops, including about a third of our food.
Without bees we wouldn’t have some of our favorite foods; coffee, strawberries, blueberries, carrots, almonds.
There are fewer beekeepers in the USA than ever before, meaning we have to import honey from around the world to meet demand.

How is GloryBee helping Save the Bee?

Supporting local beekeepers at our annual bee weekend (April 19^th and 20^th, 2018). GloryBee brings in over 10 million bees, and works with their new owners to learn how to properly hive and care for their colonies.
Through 1% of sales of retail brand honey, plus other fund raising efforts, GloryBee supports OSU Honey Bee Lab and WSU Honey Bee Lab research into the effects of neonicitinoid pesticides and bee genetics on honey bee health.
GloryBee is a longtime supporter of School Garden Project organic gardens, where hard working staff teach elementary age children about the importance of healthy fruits and vegetables.
GloryBee customers are the best! Save the Bee engages customers to reach a broader audience, raise awareness for the plight of the honey bee, and raise funds for our partners.

How is B Corp helping Save the Bee?

B Corp is a network of likeminded businesses. Becoming a B Corp has led to some amazing partnerships with both customers (like New Seasons market and Hopworks Brewery), and leaders in the B Corp community like Winderlea Vineyards. Looking for partnerships with nurseries who ban neonicitinoid pesticides, and organic farms that use bees to pollinate.

Agave Margarita

Happy National Margarita Day! Forget the pre-made mix full of artificial ingredients. You can make your own all natural version in no time. So sit back, relax and enjoy your Agave Margarita!

Ingredients

Kosher salt

Lime wedges

1 ½ ounces silver tequila

3 tablespoons of fresh squeezed lime juice

1 ½ tablespoons fresh squeezed orange juice

2 teaspoons light agave nectar

Ice

Directions

1. To rim the glass with salt, rub lime wedge around top of the edge of your glass. Dip glass into salt so that it sticks, tapping all the way around. Fill glass with ice and set aside.

2. In a cocktail shaker, combine remainder of ingredients with ice. Shake well for a good 30 seconds. Strain into the rimmed glass over ice. Enjoy!

Beekeeper’s Guide To Seasonal Beekeeping Tasks: Part 1 (Winter And Spring)

Beekeeping is becoming an increasingly popular and eco-friendly hobby for countless Americans. In fact, the USDA reports that as of 2014, the number of colonies managed by human beekeepers was at the highest it has been in 20 years. But part of being a responsible beekeeper is taking good care of your bees, and it's important to know which specific beekeeping tasks need to be done at which times of year. Here's part one of our beekeeper's guide to seasonal beekeeping tasks, where we'll discuss essential tasks to complete during the winter and spring months.

Winter

Before winter hits, it's important to make sure your bees have all that they'll need to stay healthy throughout the season. This includes making sure all disease treatments have been completed. The hives should be fully sheltered from the wind. And of course, make sure to order any new bees or beekeeping equipment you'll need for next season, such as beekeeping gloves, beekeeping kits, and other beekeeping tools. Typically, the latest you can order these supplies in time for spring is between late February and early March.

Additionally, you should also monitor your hives consistently as winter hits. Check for any wind damage and ensure adequate food and ventilation. It's true that bees can tolerate cold temperatures; however, completely sealing the hives can cause excess condensation that can hurt the entire colony.

Spring

Spring is a time to be active in your beekeeping endeavors and get new bees and beekeeping kits. First, make sure you keep feeding the bees, as they will have consumed much of their honey stores over the winter. Next, position one or two empty hives just in case some of the bees swarm and look for new homes. Raw honey can be harvested from established hives, and hives should be inspected for a solid brood pattern. Replace your hive's queen, if necessary. Finally, make sure to level the hives' populations so that the number of bees in each hive is relatively consistent.

Ultimately, understanding these beekeeping tasks is essential to healthy and happy beekeeping. Keep an eye out for the next post, where we'll discuss the most essential beekeeping tasks for the summer and fall months.