We all have a soft spot for bees. We know they are always out there working in all weathers, focused on the clear goal of making us golden honey for our crumpets, not to mention those awesome banana fritters.
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Of course, beekeepers have a different perspective.
"One of the greatest joys of beekeeping is understanding and respecting the delicate natural ecosystem that is home to bees and pollinators. It provides endless inspiration," Beechworth Honey beekeepers, Jodie and Steven Goldsworthy say.
And as two of the dedicated honey bee industry's 1300 registered commercial apiarists, World Bee Day reinforces their message and contributes to raising awareness of the essential role bees, and other pollinators play in keeping people and the planet healthy.
Bees are so hard working that estimates say honey bees contribute directly to the Australian economy to the tune of around $100 million per annum.
Honey bees also aid in the productivity of many horticultural and seed crops by providing essential pollination services that improve crop yield and quality. Pollination services have been estimated to contribute between $620 and $1,730 million to the value of Australian agricultural production per annum according to the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (AWE).
But there are other important uses for our honey bees' smooth flowing product. The medical evidence of honey's importance as a healthy food has not existed until recent times, although its value as part of folklore medicine has always been recognised. As a natural, unprocessed and easily digested food, honey can be regarded as an important part of our diet.
Suggestions for honey use:
- Use honey in tea or coffee.
- Substitute honey for sugar in a cake. Use the same weight measure of the sweetener but reduce the liquid in the recipe by one quarter. Reduce the recommended cooking temperature by 15 deg C.
- Add honey to plain cuts of meat to make exotic dishes. When basted with honey, vegetables will always be exciting if tossed in honey and butter.
- Add honey to creamed cheese as a spread or as a topping for ice cream.
Dawn Rasmussen
I love the writing game. It gets me bouncing out of bed, and dragging my feet at night when I have to finish up for the day. I started at The Bendigo Advertiser as the Creative Services Coordinator, and after many changes, I have ended up with a great 12 years with ACM (love that long service leave too as my secret gardens need tending sometimes). Working from home is tops and I hope I have many more productive times ahead.
I love the writing game. It gets me bouncing out of bed, and dragging my feet at night when I have to finish up for the day. I started at The Bendigo Advertiser as the Creative Services Coordinator, and after many changes, I have ended up with a great 12 years with ACM (love that long service leave too as my secret gardens need tending sometimes). Working from home is tops and I hope I have many more productive times ahead.
