Hivelights

We’re glad to say that the new packages we received in April are doing well. Most have become well established and are busy now that the weather seems to have warmed up.
The spring weather has taken its toll on our honey production. June was cool and dry which has slowed the alfalfa crop development by 3 to 4 weeks. This means that the nectar flow has been poor. The rains we received July 13 and 14 did help but more heat and rain would make the bees even happier! Unless that happens through August (and dare we hope September), the honey crop will be well below normal.

The new observation hive in the store is doing well. It was installed in early June and the new queen has been laying eggs steadily. The first brood has hatched and the young bees are now building new comb for her.
Right now the available ‘maternity combs’ are in high demand. The new bees are barely out before the queen marches in to lay another egg. Come to the store and watch it first hand!

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Mead Matters

The mead production has been a little slower over the past month because bee work has taken priority. Art did get another batch of Melissa’s Gold started July 15 however, so we can build up a supply to age.

He is also planning to experiment with a peach melomel. If only we could grow peaches in Alberta! At least they’re not too far away (part of the 500 mi. diet?) Now we’re looking for a peach producer in the Okanagan, if anyone has a connection.

Product of the Month

It’s finally Ice Cream weather! Yahoo! Our Chinook Honey Ice cream is made for us by Evelyn’s Memory Lane in High River (9118B 4 Avenue SE). We supply the honey and, for the other varieties, make the filling using honey and local products. The Dulce de Leche (Spanish for milk candy) is a blend of ice cream and our decadent Caramel Honey Sauce. Evelyn’s ice cream is so smooth and creamy you’d never know that it was made with only 14% cream, unlike most ice creams which use 18% cream. Try our 4 varieties:
Honey Ripple, Saskatoon & Honey Ripple, Black Currant & Honey Ripple and Dulce de Leche.A single scoop cone or cup is $2.75, double is $3.75 or just get a 1 L. tub for $8.50.

Teasing Trivia

Q. How far does a colony of bees fly to bring you 454g (one pound) of honey?
A. Over 55,000 miles