Blog / manuka

Want a natural cereal option that is also packed with flavor? Upgrade those bags of puffed rice with nutrient-dense and health promoting benefits of manuka honey, nuts & seeds! All you need are a few easy-to-find ingredients and about 20 minutes of your time.

Make it your own with your favorite seeds and nuts or even add some fruit, either way you’ll get a much healthier version of one of American’s favorite breakfasts. Try it with our lower MGO manuka honey like the 5+ or add a bit of citrus with our Lemon Twist manuka honey!

Homemade Manuka Honey Cereal

Ingredients:

• 4 Cups Puffed Rice Cereal
• 1/2 Cup PRI Manuka Honey 5+
• 1/2 Cup Slivered Almonds (And More For Topping)
• 1/2 Tbsp Chia Seeds
• 1 Tsp Cinnamon
• 1/2 Tsp Vanilla 

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350F. In a large bowl, combine puffed rice with manuka honey. Stir until the puffed rice clumps up. Then add in almonds, chia seeds, cinnamon and vanilla. Stir again until well combined. Then transfer the mixture to a baking sheet with a silpat mat or parchment paper and spread evenly. Bake at 350F for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through. Remove from the oven, let cool and enjoy!

 

Have you been celebrating National Ice Cream Month? It’s so easy to make your own, even if you don’t have an ice cream maker! Here are our top four recipes to keep you cool:

1 - Coffee Sweet Potato Nice Cream: We really think we cracked the code on this one. It honestly tastes JUST like regular ice cream except you could literally eat this every day for breakfast and feel great!

2 - Dairy-Free Spicy Mexican Chocolate Soft Serve: Because some like it hot AND sweet! Soft serve is even easier to make without any gadgets or constant stirring and this one is dairy free too!

Introducing our new Manuka Honey labels! Featuring a clear MGO number on the front and a QR code on the lid, linking to the test results for that specific jar of Manuka Honey! Read on for how to read your test results so you know you’re getting genuine Manuka:

The independent labs that we work with are based all over New Zealand and Australia and the different labs send confirmations in a variety of layouts, which you may notice when purchasing different PRI Manuka honeys! 

However there are key points that you can look for when reading your batch certificate.  

• Sample ID OR lab reference  - Your honey's batch number - This shows the report is for and the batch that your honey came from.

• Manuka honey test results always show 4 key markers, but the two you really need to pay attention to are:

• Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) - It gives Manuka Honey its antibacterial properties, the higher the concentration, the stronger the antibiotic effect. MG is derived from the compound DHA.
• Methylglyoxal (MGO) - This compound is found in high concentration in the nectar of the Manuka Flower.

• Your test result for PRI Manuka Honey will alway show these 2 markers, which confirm what you have purchased is active Manuka Honey. 

• The activity marker that is used to determine the different strengths is the Methylglyoxal or MGO level. This is what can be seen on the front of our new labels or in our older labels it is stated on the left hand panel of the jar.

• Your report will show a number in the line or column under or beside the MGO heading. For example if you have purchased our PRI Manuka 10+ or MGO 100+  you may see the following:
• This batch tested at an MGO level of 149. 
• Every batch varies and is rarely exactly MGO 100 and is why we always put the "+" .
• In this example the honey in your jar will be at a minimum a MGO level of 100 but has actually tested higher. 

 

There really is nothing like a hot toddy when you’re feeling under the weather and need to get in a good snooze. It’s not just an old wives tale either, recent studies show that the ingredients in a hot toddy mimic the effects of OTC products like NyQuil… Though, if we’re being truthful it’s actually NyQuil that mimics a hot toddy right?! So why not go natural? 

Our Hot Toddy is a riff on the classic with the addition of Sencha Naturals Green Tea + C for those extra antioxidants and vitamin C, PRI’s Manuka Honey & Propolis Cough Elixir for the extra cough soothing effects and some extra Manuka Honey to further support the immune system, help reduce bad bacteria and further soothe that sore throat.

If you are looking to help reduce your risk of getting sick in the first place, simply remove the cough elixir and enjoy one before bed. Keep in mind, whiskey is shown to be a great decongestant but stick with just one & make sure to keep fully hydrated!

• 1 Packet Sencha Naturals Green Tea + C 
• 1 Cup hot water
• 2 Tsp PRI Lemon Manuka Honey Cough Elixir
• 1 Tsp PRI Manuka Honey 15+
• Juice of half a lemon
• 1 Shot of whiskey 
• Cinnamon stick
• Lemon wedge for garnish

Instructions:

Pour one pack of Green Tea + C into a mug. Then pour in ½ cup of hot water. The mixture will foam up, so stir until the foam disappears and then pour in the remaining ½ cup of hot water. Stir until well combined. Next add in 2 tsp of the cough elixir and 1 tsp of manuka honey. Stir well again. Next, add in the juice of half a lemon and 1 shot of whiskey. Give it a good stir and then drop in a cinnamon stick and place a lemon wedge on the rim for garnish. Stir well before consuming and enjoy! 

Sleep… so crucial for healing and health, but hard to get enough of! Insufficient sleep can decrease the immune system’s health, overall body, and muscle functionality. Honey is more than a sweetener! Honey can help you sleep and is one of the few sleep aids without side effects. 

Dr. Ron Fessenden has written about how honey can help with sleep. He recommends taking it before bedtime after your glycogen is depleted during wakefulness, which is associated with increased energy demand. 

Honey before bed has been shown to slowly release glycogen, which you need for essential body functions during sleep, reducing how often you wake up. 

With the increased stress levels in the last few years, sleeping problems are more common than before, but thankfully honey can be used as a health aid for sleepless nights.

Compared to melatonin, studies show it is an effective and affordable intervention to enhance sleep quality with no associated adverse effects. 

Like sugar, honey can cause a rise in insulin and release serotonin, a neurotransmitter known to improve mood, relieve stress, boost your energy levels, promote and help you fall asleep, and ensure you wake up well-rested. 

Here are three simple ways to take it:

1 - One - two teaspoons of delicious raw manuka honey straight up.

2 - The famous milk and honey tip. 

3 - Delicious hot chocolate with stress-reducing adaptogens. 

Manuka Honey is an excellent source of many health benefits as it not only contains a lot of antioxidants and vital nutrients but has greater antibacterial & anti-inflammatory properties than other honey. 

Of course, good sleep habits begin hours before you get to bed. Incorporating other simple practices into your routine alongside honey could improve the quality of your sleep even more! Here are some ideas:

-Use blue light-blocking glasses in the evening. Blue light, like that from your phone, laptop, and other devices, messes with your circadian rhythm. It signals your brain to wake up when it should be winding down.

-Aromatherapy. There are many herbs and oils associated with good sleep. One of our favorites is manuka oil!  

-Limit caffeine and alcohol intake in the afternoon & stop drinking at least 3-4 hours before bed. Caffeinated or alcoholic beverages also confuse your sleep cycle. Give your body enough time to process them first for more restful sleep.

Resources:

https://www.livinghoney.biz/the-honey-revolution.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4544655/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30390870/

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04207281

https://mytinylagunakitchen.com/recipe/adaptogenic-holiday-hot-chocolate-holiday-stress-reducing-tips/

Who’s ready for Spring? This grapefruit soda is definitely channeling all the spring vibes! 

This month is National Grapefruit Month & we’re letting that big citrus star shine in this recipe but really, you could use any juice you like! The great thing about this particular combo is that you can get your soda fix while also supporting your health!

Grapefruit and ginger are both shown to support healthy heart and brain functions. Grapefruit also contains high levels of vitamin C, while ginger is a powerhouse when it comes to supporting your digestive health. Add to that some magical Manuka and soda suddenly becomes a ridiculously delicious health tonic!

 Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ Cup Fresh Squeezed Grapefruit Juice
• Grapefruit Zest 
• ½ Cup PRI Manuka Honey 5+ (or ¾ Cup If You Prefer It Sweeter)
• 2 Tbsp Ginger Juice or Fresh Ginger 
• Sparkling Water
• Ice

Instructions:

1. To make the simple syrup, add one cup of fresh squeezed grapefruit juice to a saucepan with the zest of one grapefruit.
2. Next add in ½ cup of Manuka honey and 2 tbsp of ginger juice.
3. Turn it on high heat and bring to a boil. Stir regularly, once it starts to bubble up turn down the heat. Give it a taste, if you prefer it sweeter add an extra ¼ cup Manuka honey and bring it back to a boil.
4. Turn the heat off once it boils for a few mins. Then let it cool.
5. Strain the mixture, and transfer it to a glass jar and cool in the fridge.
6. To assemble your soda, add ice, two tablespoons of the grapefruit simple syrup, fill it ¾ of the way with sparkling water and then top it off additional grapefruit juice for added flavor and color.
7. Give it a good stir and enjoy!

Ditch the side effects for a dose of nature

Dreaming of hot chocolate, cozy fires & even cozier slippers…hopefully minus the sore throats, congestion, coughs and fevers that seem to also come along with the colder weather.

Unfortunately, the most common drug class for OTC cold & flu remedies including products such as Tamiflu contain questionable ingredients and around TEN common side effects ranging from nausea and vomiting to mood changes! 

Luckily for us all, nature already has the answer and more and more studies are being done to prove it. A recent study published in the Archives of Medical Research titled, “Anti-influenza Viral Effects of Honey In Vitro: Potent High Activity of Manuka Honey,” tested several different types of honey on the common H1N1 influenza strain. Researchers that conducted the study stated: “In conclusion, the results obtained showed that honey, in general, and particularly manuka honey, has potent inhibitory activity against influenza virus, demonstrating a possible medicinal value. Further investigations are required to identify the active antiviral components in Manuka honey and to determine its synergistic effects with known antiviral drugs.”

The study also showed that when manuka honey was added to the use of OTC medications, manuka significantly increased the antiviral effectiveness of both compounds. This might be necessary especially in extreme cases and is important to note. 

Manuka honey has been shown to increase the release of Cytokines, especially during an inflammatory response. Cytokines help white blood cells identify and eliminate damaged or infected tissues. 

If you are having a particularly sore throat or upper respiratory issues, physicians from Oxford University's Medical School and Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences analyzed existing evidence to see how honey affects the symptoms of URTIs. Concluding, in the article in the journal BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine "Honey was superior to usual care for the improvement of symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections,” also stating "Since the majority of URTIs are viral, antibiotic prescription is both ineffective and inappropriate. However, a lack of effective alternatives, as well as a desire to preserve the patient-doctor relationship, both contribute to antibiotic over prescription."*

It’s easy to incorporate manuka into your care routine. Fun fact about manuka is that when its heated, the MGO, or active component in manuka, is not killed so you can add it to your tea! If you prefer a cold treat when ill, check out our Throat Soothing Popsicles Recipe.

And, because being sick doesn’t always mean you get to lay in bed, we have all your on the go Manuka solutions such as our own alcohol-free cough elixirs, lozenges, throat soothing lollipops & honey sticks. 

** Please note, we are not medical professionals and you should not consider this medical advice. You know your body and when you need to seek medical attention, listen to that voice! And, in the meantime, eat Manuka, drink lots of water & get some rest ❤️

Resources: 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24880005/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6594701/

https://ebm.bmj.com/content/26/2/57

https://edition.cnn.com/2018/10/22/health/antibiotics-surgery-cancer-england-uk-intl/index.html

Those who have it, know how difficult psoriasis is to both manage and live with. As there is currently no cure for psoriasis, those who have been diagnosed with this autoimmune disease not only have to endure internal & external pain but also live with skin lesions that can make them feel self-conscious. If you are one of the over 7 million people in the U.S. affected by psoriasis and want to learn more about how manuka honey can help, along with other management tips, click here.

If you want to know more about what psoriasis is, read on!

Like many autoimmune diseases little is known about the cause of psoriasis however, enough is understood about our immune response to understand how & why it manifests the way it does. When you have psoriasis your T cells, which normally help your body protect against threatening foreign substances, are overactive. This overactivity causes them to attack not just disease-causing substances but also healthy skin cells. 

Everyone’s skin cells are constantly dying and regrowing, a process that would normally take about a month. For someone WITH psoriasis though, this takes only a few days causing painful, red, itchy, scaly patches of build-up on the skin. 

This cycle doesn’t tend to stop without some sort of treatment and can be more or less severe depending on many factors. These factors are different from person to person but can include stress, change in the weather, cuts, burns or scrapes, seasonal allergies, and dryer weather such as in dry desert climates or during winter.

While there are not many studies directly related to the use of Manuka Honey on psoriasis, it is thought to have great promise in treating psoriasis lesions. Unlike other honey, Manuka contains a unique component known as MGO; MGO has been shown to be a great aid in anti-inflammatory & antibacterial treatments. In addition to this, there is an overwhelming number of anecdotal reports on the effectiveness of Manuka Honey in reducing the severity of psoriasis outbreaks (by regular internal use) and the management of skin lesions/ external pain (when applied externally).

Manuka oil is shown to have many of the same benefits when used externally. Additionally, both the oil and honey have been shown effective against Staphylococcus Aureus, which has long been associated with atopic dermatitis. 

Given there are no known side effects from using Manuka oil or honey in conjunction with other treatments or on their own, why not give it a try and see if it can be beneficial to your symptoms? In fact, here is a special code just for you for 15% off any PRI Manuka Honey or Oil with the code SKINHELP.

Here are some great and easy ways to incorporate manuka products into your routine:

1. Add manuka oil and/or honey to your current moisturizer, body, or face wash. Adding to your shampoo and conditioner can also be a great help if you have scalp psoriasis 
2. Apply manuka oil and/or honey directly to your skin. (Note 100% Manuka oil needs to be diluted before external use. This can be done with any of your favorite carrier oils; simply add 10 drops of manuka oil to 2 Tablespoons of carrier oil.) We also have a pre-diluted 10% manuka oil (carried in almond oil) which is great for use right out of the bottle! If using Manuka honey, simply apply to the affected area and cover before bed!
3. Add manuka honey and/or oil + Epsom salts to your bath. The salts will help you shed dead skin, while the manuka will help kill bad bacteria & fungus while locking in moisture. You can also add ground-up oats for some extra love.
4. Help remove irritating dead skin and soothe inflammation with the most gentle exfoliating technique ever: honey tapping! Using only honey and your hands or a spoon honey tapping is a great way to exfoliate sensitive skin.
5. Take at least one tablespoon of manuka honey per day to help fight internal inflammation.

And, make sure to catch some sun! Ultraviolet B rays have also been shown to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis and  as little as 10 minutes in direct sun can be enough. 

Resources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7694078/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5562472/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atopic-dermatitis-eczema/symptoms-causes/syc-20353273#:~:text=Atopic%20dermatitis%20(eczema)%20is%20a,irritating%20but%20it%27s%20not%20contagious

https://www.psoriasis.org/scalp/

Bees. Superheroes to every human - and really to every animal -  around the world. Essential to our survival, bees along with many other important pollinators, are responsible for at least a third of the crops we use every day. In New Zealand specifically, they team up with the mighty manuka shrub to create the most magical, medicinal honey in the world - manuka honey!

While native Maori peoples had been using all parts of the manuka shrub both medicinally and to create their homes and tools, there were no bees in NZ to make honey until 1839. This was the year Mary Bumby, sister of a Methodist missionary, brought two hives ashore and introduced European Honeybees to New Zealand. 

Brought over specifically to make honey, these bees also quickly became vital to crop pollination across the country, especially since most NZ crops are non-native. Used to pollinate everything from apples to the clover in dairy fields. Over 100,000 honeybee hives are used each year in New Zealand just to pollinate kiwifruit vines alone.

Over the years, the popularity of our favorite bee product - manuka honey - has seen a major increase. The number of hives has grown from around 300,000 to over 700,000 just between the years 2000 and 2019 more than doubled the value of pollination services in New Zealand. 

While PRI has always focused on sustainable beekeeping practices, this increase has made it more important than ever to ensure that we value and protect our honeybees to ensure not only their health but the health of our world and future generations. 

These practices are an important qualifier for PRI’s beekeeping partners. By restoring healthier bee populations and using managed care for bees, in a manner that respects their natural processes, we can help improve ecological agriculture and pollination. PRI supports research and preservation efforts to provide “best practices” education for beekeepers and farmers. Our beekeepers’ goal is first and foremost to meet our needs in a way that will also improve life for future generations. 

As part of the SAVE the BEE initiative,  a sustainable-beekeeper-only partnership committed to protecting honey bees by increasing public awareness of the role honeybees play in a healthy food supply, a portion of every purchase of our jarred honey is donated to help the bees. 

Want to know how you can help your local pollinators? Start by planting a bee garden and going chemical-free in your yard. Use this free resource to find plants native to your area, along with how many different types of pollinators will enjoy them!

Label-reading just got easier!

Listen, we don’t have hours to spend researching everything and we know you don’t either. So after months of deliberation, and gathering feedback from our loyal customers (that’s you!) we are excited to announce that we are moving to a quick and easy rating system that will help you understand your honey at-a-glance.

In June 2022, P.R.I. will be moving to a single-number MGO* on the label, and a QR code that you can scan (for those of you who crave all the juicy details about what’s in your jar.)

 "We believe making a purchase shouldn't require hours of research! To that end, the PRI team has long been in discussion to find the best way to label our Manuka Honey strengths in a clear and transparent manner. As the original importer of manuka honey to the U.S., we have used the standard rating systems originally used by all, to differentiate the strengths of Manuka. 

 However, over the years, our understanding of what makes manuka honey unique has expanded tremendously & testing and regulations have evolved along with that knowledge. MGO has now become a standard around the world for labeling the strengths of Manuka Honey. Our first step was to introduce the MGO level on our labels, putting this next to our original rating numbers. We hoped this would help customers in the transition and be able to easily compare our Manuka to that of the newer Manuka companies that have popped up over the last few years. Over the last 6 months, we have been gathering feedback from our customers and other experts in the field, and we decided to relaunch our Manuka range with just 1 number - MGO. Additionally, we are giving our customers a way to easily access test results for each batch of manuka honey we sell via a  QR code* right on the label. Simply scan the code with your phone for all the details about your honey!"

~ Kristy (CFO of P.R.I.)

*Click here to learn about MGO and how to read your test results.

Are you wondering what is so special about Manuka Honey? It’s been used for centuries for its medicinal effects such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral properties and shows to be effective in treating other conditions both internal and external. It should be an essential in your kitchen and your natural remedy cabinet! Choosing the right Manuka Honey depends on your plans on how to use it. Here are several ways on how to make use of  Manuka honey and experience its health benefits.

• Wounds - Historically, honey has been recognised around the world for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help promote healing, tissue regeneration and reduce pain. You can apply a thin layer of Manuka Honey  on a bandage before putting it on the affected area.

• Acne - Traditional medicine in numerous countries has described honey as efficacious in the treatment of a range of skin disorders. You can add Manuka Honey in your daily skin care routine and improve your skin’s appearance. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects can help treat acne, keep your skin moisturized and nourished.  

• Oral Health - Manuka Honey will help reduce plaque and bacteria formation preventing tooth cavities and other gum problems including gingivitis, bleeding and receding gums. 

• Sore Throat - Manuka Honey contains antioxidants, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that have been shown to help support the immune system, which helps you to recover faster and reduce inflammation when you have a sore throat. Just add 1-2 teaspoons of Manuka honey into warm water mixed with a squeeze of half a lemon.  You can also try other Manuka honey products like the Propolis and Manuka Honey Cough Elixir and Manuka Honey & Propolis Lozenges.

• Digestion - Experts say that taking Manuka Honey is a popular home remedy to relieve digestive issues, the anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties can help heal and soothe digestion.Manuka Honey acts as a natural prebiotic, taking a tablespoon or two is beneficial. A healthy gut can strengthen the immune system and improve digestion. Prebiotic are essential and can help maintain the good bacteria in the gut. A study was conducted to investigate the composition and function of the gut microbiome in loperamide-induced constipation model mice treated with honey.  Constipation can induce the overgrowth of many harmful bacteria, the results showed that loperamide-induced chronic transit constipation treated with honey can improve the fecal water content and intestinal transit rate, but not recover the body weight in a very short time. Honey can improve the symptoms of constipation, it can manipulate intestinal dysbiosis by suppressing harmful bacteria in the intestines.

What is a good strength for Manuka Honey?  See the uses and Manuka Honey ratings table below.

MGO Strength			Suggested Use
PRI Manuka Honey Blend 50+			Everyday Sweetener! If you use honey a lot but want it to have some extra benefits, this is a great low-budget option.
PRI 50+ Manuka Honey			Everyday Sweetener. Another great lower budget option for honey enthusiasts.
PRI Manuka Honey 100+			Everyday Immune Support
PRI Manuka Honey 200+			General and Digestive Health Maintenance, Skin Health
Manuka Honey 500+			Best for helping to soothe specific skin conditions such as Rosacea, Eczema and Psoriasis

Our Manuka has a variety of health benefits that the ordinary doesn't provide. When you buy Manuka, look for MGO it stands for Methylglyoxal, it is the compound that makes Manuka Honey unique. Pacific Resources International farms the highest quality Manuka in New Zealand. All of our Manuka is genuine and is independently tested for potency and purity. We are leading the charge in the Manuka industry in the Save The Bees campaign and only source our honey from sustainable beekeepers and donate a portion of every purchase to bee-sustainability. There are so many different uses for Manuka Honey that can help improve your health and wellbeing. I hope this blog gave you an idea to incorporate Manuka Honey into your daily regimen. Enjoy!

 

Resources:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/manuka-honey-uses-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5424551/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3941901/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5661189/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3220139/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5406168/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7455974/

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/manuka-honey-guide-health-benefits-umf

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6613335/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24305429/

 

What is sustainable beekeeping? While the word “sustainability” means different things to different people we generally define it as meeting the needs of our current population without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same. 

Beekeeping or apiculture is the process of maintaining honeybees and hives. It is a centuries old tradition. A beekeeper collects honey and other products that the hive produces like Honey, Royal Jelly, Propolis and Pollen.  Bee population has been declining in recent years and the role of the beekeeper is very important when it comes to achieving sustainable development. By restoring healthier bee populations and using management care for bees in a way that respects their natural processes can improve the ecological agriculture which can help pollination. 

We asked Terry Bone, third generation beekeeper, to describe in further detail what sustainable beekeeping means, in practice. Here is what he said:

• Balancing bee health and welfare with a viable commercial operation. 

The aim is to protect and maintain healthy, capable and indigenous honeybees. This is about balancing the amount of honey or other bee products taken from hives to make the business viable vs. leaving enough honey for the bees to survive without excessive supplementary feeding of cane sugar and pollen substitutes. 

• Do not put anything into the hive which did not come from the bees.

This introduction of certain chemical substances like pollen substitute, stimulants, antibiotics etc., can cause the bees to display disorientation or unusual behavior.

• Do not take anything out of the hive which the bees cannot afford to lose.

Collecting honey and pollen doesn’t harm the bees, only a small amount is taken during the collection process. The honey and pollen that is not harvested goes to feed the colony.

• Keep bees local. Bees are best suited to their own unique conditions and environment. 

In NZ, bees are certainly moved to be near a pollen source like manuka or for pollination, but the distances are not large. Honeybees can thrive and adapt well in their natural habitat or domesticated environments.  

Hives are not moved by great distances. In NZ, hives are typically kept within regions. In some larger countries like the US, hives are transported across many states to pollinate crops like almonds. This is very tough on bees. 

• Leave enough honey for bees to feed through winter and minimize supplementary feeding of cane sugar.

There has to be enough honey in the hive to carry the colony through winter. If too much honey is taken the cane sugar can be a valuable management tool to supplement a shortage, but is not ideal. 

• Keeping intervention into hives at a minimum.

Bee hives require good management and natural intervention techniques to ensure the survival and production, enabling good bee colony health. 

• Not treating disease with antibiotics which can filter through to honey.

In NZ, the use of antibiotics is illegal. Beekeepers are required to burn any hives and equipment which become infected by disease like AFB (American Foulbrood). Beekeepers must take preventive measures through managing honey bee colonies to reduce the spread of disease.

 

Supporting the process of sustainable development through education and innovation can protect our ecosystem and preserve natural resources for future generations. In the long term, it can reduce the risk of natural hazards and the entire world benefits.  If you are interested in learning more about this, Terry recommends watching “Queen of the Sun” a film which explores mysterious colony collapse disorder and how beekeeping is practiced around the world.

PRI is supporting research and preservation efforts to provide “best practices” education for beekeepers and farmers that will help honey bees. A portion of  proceeds from PRI’s honey sales go to the cause led by the Glory Bee. The SAVE the BEE initiative is a partnership committed to protect honey bees by increasing public awareness of the role honeybees play in a healthy food supply. 

 

Resources: 

https://friendsoftheearth.uk/nature/why-do-we-need-bees

https://www.orkin.com/pests/stinging-pests/bees/honey-bees/habitat-of-a-honey-bee

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167587718307906

https://www.sustain.ucla.edu/what-is-sustainability/