How do you collect royal jelly? This question often arises among those interested in apiculture and the potential health benefits of this unique substance. Royal jelly, a creamy, milky secretion produced by worker bees, is renowned for its nutritional value and is believed to have various health benefits. However, the process of collecting royal jelly requires precision and care to ensure its purity and potency. In this article, we will explore the methods and techniques used to collect royal jelly, from preparing the hives to extracting the precious substance.
Royal jelly is produced by worker bees, specifically by nurse bees, which are younger bees responsible for feeding the queen and other larvae. The queen bee consumes royal jelly throughout her life, which is why she grows larger and remains fertile for an extended period, while worker bees consume a mixture of honey and pollen. The process of collecting royal jelly involves several steps, including:
1. Selecting the Right Hive: To collect royal jelly, it is essential to choose a healthy and productive hive. The hive should have a strong queen and a good population of worker bees. It is also important to select a hive that has not been previously treated with chemicals, as this can contaminate the royal jelly.
2. Preparing the Hive: Before collecting royal jelly, the hive must be prepared. This involves inspecting the hive for signs of disease or pests and ensuring that the queen is present and healthy. The hive should also be cleaned and sanitized to prevent contamination.
3. Identifying the Queen: Identifying the queen is crucial for collecting royal jelly. The queen can be distinguished from worker bees by her larger size and the distinctive spot on her back. Once the queen is located, the worker bees will bring royal jelly to her, which can then be collected.
4. Collecting the Royal Jelly: There are several methods for collecting royal jelly, including:
– Using a Queen Excluder: A queen excluder is a device placed above the brood chamber to prevent the queen from laying eggs in the worker bee cells. By placing a queen excluder, the worker bees will continue to produce royal jelly in the queen’s presence, which can then be collected from the cells below the excluder.
– Harvesting with a Jelly Extractor: A jelly extractor is a tool designed to gently remove royal jelly from the cells without damaging them. This method is effective for large-scale production and ensures that the royal jelly is preserved in its natural state.
– Manual Collection: In some cases, royal jelly can be collected manually by removing the cells containing the jelly and scraping it out. This method is more labor-intensive and may result in a lower yield.
5. Storing and Handling the Royal Jelly: Once collected, royal jelly must be stored and handled properly to maintain its quality. It should be kept refrigerated at a temperature between 35-39°F (1.7-4°C) to prevent spoilage. Royal jelly is also sensitive to light and should be stored in dark containers to protect it from UV radiation.
In conclusion, collecting royal jelly is a delicate process that requires careful attention to the health of the hive and the preservation of the royal jelly itself. By following the proper methods and techniques, enthusiasts and producers can ensure that they obtain high-quality, pure royal jelly that can be used for its various health benefits.
