Don’t miss Bee and Honey Show

The room is abuzz with busy bees, as Northmead’s Pete Beart, chairperson of the Eastern Highveld Beekeepers’ Association (EHBA), sips on a mega cup of tea, sweetened with a hearty dollop of raw honey.

Pete’s love and appreciation for bees and, ultimately, honey farming was piqued four years ago after he watched with keen interest how these striped critters buzzed in and out of a hive at his son’s home in Australia.

Upon his return to Benoni, Pete completed his beekeeping and removal training, spending nights hammering frames together to create welcoming and conducive homes for his queen bees and their loyal servants.

Watching with interest as one industrious worker flaps around the sticky lid of a honey jar, Pete smiles with evident admiration.

“Bees are fascinating creatures. Their existence hinges on the availability of pollen-rich foraging grounds, which allow them to create the most decadent liquid gold,” he said.

“Perfect harmony exists within the confines of the hives and every action results in perfectly calculated yields and the continuation of a health hive.”

As the EHBA chairperson and his members prepare to host its highly anticipated Bee and Honey Show on May 6 and 7 at Heckers Garden Centre, North Rand Road, Pete hopes to not only generate more support for locally sourced raw honey but to create greater awareness among residents about the welfare of bees.

“As beekeepers, we want the public to view these tiny creators of life as more than just pests that invade chimneys or electricity boxes,” Pete said.

“A jar of honey contains unbounded health benefits, while its producers play a vital role in the food production and security, through continuous pollination.”

Speaking about the health benefits contained in each drop of honey, Pete notes that the product is only beneficial if the consumer is using natural raw honey.

“It is true that locally sourced honey may be more expensive than a bottle bought from your local supermarket. That is because as local keepers, we are not mass producing honey,” he said.

“We sell what is available within our hives. However, following stringent guidelines and legislation, you are guaranteed that pure, additive-free and naturally sourced honey is what you are getting.”

Facts about honey:
• Honey contains propolis which is known to be the strongest natural form of antibiotic. Due to this honey has an unlimited shelf life and does not rot.

• It is estimated that 1 152 bees will have to travel 180 246 km and visit 4.5 million flowers to produce a single jar of honey.

• A bee only lives for six weeks. Only two weeks of its life is spent collecting nectar.

• Although bees collect pollen from various flowers, nectar is categorised within the hive. When collecting honey, combs will consist of various colours, ranging from white to brown. These colours are an indication of the various nectars collected.

• Manufacturers of honey, that add sugar syrup to their product, may not use the term honey on labelling.

• Natural raw honey does crystalise over time. Crystalisation may vary depending on the various nectars. For example, cosmos honey will crystalise quicker than bluegum, due to the varying density of nectar.

• Heating crystalised honey will dissolve the crystals, however, heating above 40 degrees celsius will kill the beneficial enzymes. It is recommended to place the jar in luke warm water or to place in a warm area. This may take longer but will ensure that the goodness within remains undisturbed.

For more information about locally sourced honey and the work and services of EHBA members, visit the Bee and Honey Show:
When? May 6 and 7.
Where? Heckers Garden Centre, North Rand Road.
Time? From 09:00.
Cost? Entrance is free.

EHBA members will be selling their honey and will be on hand to answer any questions, while offering tastings of various honey variants.

Bee luring and pollinator-friendly plants and products will be on sale with knowledgeable advice on hand.

For more information, WhatsApp Pete on 063 689 3700.

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