Beekeeping is the art and science of raising and caring for bees with the objective of obtaining honey, beeswax, pollen and royal jelly. Beekeeping requires skill, knowledge, agility and experience.

Did you know?

Bees are among the most important insects on planet Earth. Their role in pollinating manifests itself everywhere. Without the help of bees, the world’s fruits, vegetables and flowers would be so different that we wouldn’t recognize them. Almost 40% of the foods that we eat have been pollinated by bees!

The well-known saying, “Busy as a bee,” is truly justified. To produce one 500-gram container of honey, a team of bees must make approximately 17,000 trips. They must gather nectar from 8,700,000 flowers, which takes about 7,000 hours – no small feat!

Did you know that during the Second World War, soldiers used honey to heal their wounds? Honey contains several other health benefits:

• Honey is twice as sweet as sugar.

• Honey contains fewer calories per gram than sugar (64 calories versus 84 per 20g).

• Honey has a calming, soporific effect.

• Honey has a therapeutic effect on stomach and intestinal inflammation.

• Honey can help fight against bronchial illnesses and diarrhea.

• Honey increases strength and energy.

• Honey eases coughing.

• Honey is an excellent product to take during convalescence or during periods of low appetite.

• Honey can help people who have trouble sleeping.

• Honey contains antioxidants which make the skin look younger. It also contains hydrogen peroxide, which is a good cleanser.

• Honey softens, tones and nourishes the skin.

• Honey has antiseptic and healing properties for cuts and bruises.

• Honey helps increase endurance and helps promote recuperation and healing.

• Honey is a remedy renowned for fighting throat irritations.

• Honey helps promote growth.

Believe it or not, being stung by bees on a regular basis is also good for your health. If you are not allergic to bee stings, of course, their venom can be very beneficial. As a matter of fact, there is a treatment called “bee venom therapy” or “bee-sting therapy.” Bee venom therapy is considered an excellent treatment for reducing the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

Honey is composed of 78 to 80% carbohydrates, 17% water, 1% protids and traces of various mineral salts, organic acids, as well as many vitamins, lipids, complex organic compounds, and, grains of pollen. Since honey is composed mainly of simple sugars, its energy is absorbed as soon as it is ingested. Therefore, the digestive system is not overworked. Furthermore, honey facilitates digestion of other foods, and, unlike sugar, does not irritate the stomach.