The answer to the Honey Bee deaths that is wiping out colonies throughout the United States is still a mystery. There have been many crazy ideas including the suggestion that cell phones are causing the bees to be disoriented.
Researchers at the University of California have come up with the first solid evidence pointing to a potential cause: the fact that a fungus caused widespread loss of bees in Europe and Asia. The mystery goes on.
This will be the last article on bees and honey, so just a couple of parting thoughts. In comparing my size with the bee, I wish I was that smart. Each hive, which could house more than half a million residents get along together with female workers, male drones, and a single queen. A hive of bees fly 55,000 miles to produce one pound of honey. An average worker bee makes only about 1/12 teaspoon of honey in its lifetime.
One final example. Some worker bees use specialized mouth parts to make wax to build the hive. They mold it into six-sided cells that we call honeycombs. These have long fascinated architects and mathematicians, who recognize that bees are master engineers. It turns out that these hexagonal tubes are the most efficient shape for holding honey. They use less wax than other shapes to hold the same volume of honey. Now who taught them that?
Apple Honey Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients: |
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Directions:
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In saucepan over low heat, combine all the ingredients. Bring it to a boil. Reduce the sauce to a simmer for about 5 minutes. Cool and then refrigerate until ready to BBQ with. Baste the meat often with this honey sauce.
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Unusual Kitchen Item: Honey contains vitamins and antioxidants, but is fat free, cholesterol free and sodium free. Honey is the only food that includes all the substances necessary to sustain life, including water.
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