The Buzz about Bees

The Buzz About Bees & Using Rawsome Honey

You’ve probably heard that dying bee populations pose a major threat to our environment. But has anybody explained to you why? More importantly, what can we DO about it?

Here’s a few stats & facts to give you some background:

• These little insects do a BIG job! A typical honeybee hive reaches 225,000 flowers every day.
• Australian bees pollinate approximately 70% of food crops.
• In Australia, Eucalyptus nectar provides crucial food for honeybees. During the 2013 heatwaves, approximately 700 species of Eucalyptus produced negligible nectar in response to warmer temperatures. Almost 30% of commercial bees were lost.
• Amidst a hotter climate, the beeswax honeycomb melts. Thus honeybees devote more time to cooling their hives with fresh water than pollinating plants.
• It is estimated that 500 billion honeybees have been wiped out since 2006 across the globe.

At Kunara, we are delighted to supply raw, local and premium quality honey. It arrives to us in big delicious barrels of oohey-gooey-stickey goodness and we package it on site. Buying in bulk like this is more economical and allows us to pass on savings to YOU, our very valued customer.

Our honey is only gently heated to a maximum of 40^oC, which allows any debris to filter properly from the honey. This is lower than most commercial processing temperatures and our honey is otherwise completely pure and unadulterated.

On the odd & very lucky occasion, our honey arrives with blissful chunks of pure beeswax intact… If you ever have the opportunity to try this raw honey with melted beeswax on some warmed sourdough fruit bread, it is one culinary experience you will never forget!

Why choose organic honey? Researchers believe that in conjunction with climate change, insecticide spays are a major contributing factor to dying bee populations. Neonic insecticides are particularly believed to be toxic to honeybees – so much so that Europe has established a two year moratorium to cease their use on flowering crops. Organic honey absolutely prohibits the use of these insecticides.

(If you REALLY love bees… Check out our native bee hive in the Garden Centre. These innocuous sting-free bees don’t collect honey but are great for our environment!)

Our raw honey can be used many ways but it’s particularly delicious in this hot choccie recipe! Our naturopaths & dietitian teamed up to create a decadent hot chocolate to enjoy as a special treat & to help support your immune system through the upcoming flu season.

You’ll Need:

• 250ml almond milk
• 6 raw cashews
• 5 raw hazelnuts
• 1-2 medjool dates (depending on your preferred level of sweetness)
• 1 heaped tbsp raw cacao
• 1 tbsp coconut cream
• 2 tsp manuka honey – containing natural antibacterial properties for sore throats
• ½ tsp vanilla essence
• 1 square or approximately 5g of organic dark chocolate (the darker, the better)
• 1 pinch of cayenne pepper & 1 pinch cinnamon- these increase circulation, which can support your immune system
• 1 dose of powdered **Chaga mushroom – a wild mushroom which is super powerful for immunity
• ¼ tsp of **Camu Camu powder- naturally high in Vitamin C

Method

In a Vitamix or food processor, blend almond milk, cashews, hazelnuts, dates, cacao, honey, vanilla essence, cinnamon & cayenne pepper until extremely smooth & creamy. Transfer to a saucepan and slowly bring to boil, stirring consistently to prevent the mixture from sticking and burning. Remove from heat and thoroughly whisk through Chaga mushroom and Camu Camu powder. Pour into a mug and drop in square of dark chocolate to melt through your drink. Swirl coconut cream attractively on top and dust with a little extra cacao & cayenne. If you’re in an extra-decadent mood, check out the link below for an awesome recipe to make vegetarian marshmallows.

(Recipe for vegetarian marshmallows: http://www.mnn.com/food/recipes/stories/how-to-make-your-own-marshmallows.)

**Only use vitamins and herbal supplements as directed and seek the advice of a suitably trained health professional before using.