Royal Jelly from Bees
Royal jelly is a remarkable substance produced by worker honey bees. It plays an important royal in bee development. In the past, royal jelly was believed to be responsible for making queen bees – today researchers question this idea. Let’s learn more about how royal jelly important to bees and why many humans use it for possible health benefits.
Understanding basic bee biology is important for any beekeeper – new or experienced. Several years along this journey – I am still amazed at the unique hive products bees make for themselves or us!
What is Royal Jelly?
Royal jelly is a nutrient-rich substance produced by worker bees from glands inside their heads. It is an incredibly complex substance that contains: water, proteins, sugars, fats, vitamins, and minerals and some compounds we still do not understand.
However, it is important to note that the exact composition of royal jelly can vary a bit. Factors such as the species or type of honey bees, worker ages and even environmental conditions have an effect on its chemical composition.
How Bees Make Royal Jelly
The major producers of royal jelly are young, adult workers (nurse bees) between the age of 5 days and 15 days. These bees have very developed hypopharyngeal and mandibular glands (also called brood food glands).
Naturally, the role of worker bees at this age is to feed and care for the next generation. And, they do a great job as they constantly feed and care for developing honey bee larvae.
Only well-fed worker bees become good producers of brood food compositions. This works in the same way as well-fed worker bees are the best wax producers. Healthy colonies do better in all activities.
The Role of Royal Jelly in the Colony
The structure and success of a honey bee colony is somewhat tied to royal jelly production. Aside from any role in queen production, it is essential for any larval development.
As the bee egg transforms into a tiny c shaped- all larvae are provisioned with nutritious royal jelly for at least the first 3 days. They appear to float in the nutritious milky food as they undergo rapid growth.
Older larvae are fed a mixture of royal jelly, honey and bee bread. However, the composition of the larval diet also varies according to the destiny of the developing bee.
Perhaps This Jelly is Not so Royal?
For years, it was believed that female larvae destined to become queens were fed only royal jelly. Hence, the word “royal” in the description.
However, in recent years – studies indicate that it may not be an exclusive diet of royal jelly that makes a queen – a queen. This remains a debatable topic in beekeeping circles and research continues.
Regardless, royal jelly production is important for a healthy honey bee colony. It is part necessary for colony nutrition (what honey bees eat) and adult queen bees consume food that is richer in royal jelly throughout their lives.
Benefits for Human Use
Humans have been captivated with royal jelly for centuries. A wide range of benefits have been explored – if it is used as a dietary supplement or natural remedy:
- diverse array of nutrients – proteins, amino acids, vitamins, minerals etc
- good for skin health
- immune system support
- provides energy and vitality
- brain health and cognitive function
- anti-inflammatory effects
How is it Collected for Sale?
Collection and sale of honey bee royal jelly is big business. It requires skill and is a labor intensive process that it usually only attempted by large apiaries.
Since worker bees primarily produce royal jelly when producing queens, beekeepers must manipulate the colony into a queen rearing state.
Then, the milky royal jelly can be harvested from queen cells using small spoons or suction devices. On average, each queen cell contains about 200-300 milligrams of royal jelly, which is a very small amount.
It is also highly perishable and must be handled with care to prevent spoilage. Commonly royal jelly will be refrigerated, frozen or freeze-dried until prepare for sale.
Most hobby beekeepers will not likely be involved in harvesting royal jelly. It is a delicate process and great care must be taken to avoid harming the colony.
Obviously, the bees need it for a reason and taking too much could create great stress for the hive and a lack of nutrition.
FAQs
It is the young worker honey bees that are the best producers of royal jelly. They function as nurse bees and are responsible for feeding developing larvae.
Royal jelly is usually harvested by beekeepers using special frames with small cups. Harvesting can be done responsibly to cause minimal disruption to the colony.
Royal jelly is completely different from honey, propolis or beeswax. Honey is made from plant nectar, propolis originates from collected plant resin and beeswax is produced from wax glands. Royal jelly is produced by the hypopharyngeal glands.
Royal jelly is generally safe for most people when consumed in moderation. However, individuals with allergies to bee products should exercise caution. It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating royal jelly into one’s diet.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of the role royal jelly plays in the colony, it is a very important substance that is needed to sustain a work force. For now, can we let it keep it’s status as queen maker until those with a much more scientific outlook can offer more clarity?
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