What's The Buzz....

Honeybee hives have long provided humans with honey and beeswax. Such commercial uses have spawned a large beekeeping industry, though many species still occur in the wild.

All honeybees are social and cooperative insects. A hive's inhabitants are generally divided into three types: Workers, Queens, and Drones. Worker bees are the only bees that most people ever see. The Queen lays eggs and spawn's the next generation of bees.  Male bees-called drones-fertilize the eggs and are killed off in the winter months when the hive goes into survival mode.

The benefits of honey are numerous. Not only does this delectable liquid stimulate your taste buds and whet your appetite, its unique taste and aroma has sprung off many time honor cooking ideas and recipes such as the cannot-be-missed honey baked ham and honey dips. But is honey really good for you? This caramel-like liquid seems to be full of calories ...sure it tastes good and has a pleasant texture that coats the irritated throat, but is it no more than just a tasty placebo?

The fact is, honey is far better than what most people perceive. Researchers are turning up more and more new evidence of honey's medical benefits in all directions. The benefits of honey don't just stop at satisfying the palate; honey also offers incredible antiseptic, antioxidant and cleansing properties for our body and health, hot beauty and skin care tips for ladies, and amazing healing properties as a head-to-toe remedy, from eye conjunctivitis to athlete foot. Its powerful healing attributes have long been used thousands of years ago and known to promote healing for cuts, cure ailments and diseases, and correct health disorders for generations after generations. The renowned UMF Manuka honey, perhaps the tastiest natural medicine, is commonly cited in many discussions on health benefits of honey. This honey not only fights infection and aids tissue healing but also helps reduce inflammation and scarring. In addition, it is often used for treating digestive problems such as diarrhea, indigestion, stomach ulcers and gastroenteritis.

So in light of all the important healing benefits associated with honey the Phoenixville Farmer's Market is celebrating the honeybee at their festival on May 7, 2011 from 9:00am to 1:00pm.  Beekeepers, bakers, gardeners, artists, and educators will join the market with environmentally friendly products and presentations.  There will also be children's crafts, a puppet show, live music and storytelling throughout the day.

In conjunction with the bee festival, Kimberton Whole Foods will also have a display set up with honey and honey products.  Hammi Jammi Jewelry was asked to create some bee-themed jewelry for the display.

bee festival - slide show

Mark your calendars, people.  Support your community by shopping and buying local!