On 21st June, Cittadellarte’s new space Semiurbani, opened on the occasion of Art at the Centre 2018, will host the talk “The world of bees and honey”, organized by the association Let Eat Bi. After a series of events dedicated to local flavours of excellence (beer, wine, and a day spent with the goats of the farm “La Crava Cuntenta”), the Green Academy presents a new initiative focusing on bees. Leading the participants to the discovery of the nature of this insect will be Massimo Capellupo, spokesman for Biella’s Apiculturists Association and a collaborator of the association Pacefuturo. The apiculturist has given us a foretaste of the contents of the evening: “The introduction will focus on a presentation of the world of bees. I will illustrate the peculiarities of their lives and their characteristics. I will also bring a 1:10 model of a beehive showing its internal structure, where the bees feed the larvae. It is a presentation beehive, sealed in glass panels stopping the insects from going in or out, but allowing people to see them from up close.”
Curiosities
Capellupo has given us a preview of the interesting facts he will discuss at the event: “The queen bee only serves the function of laying eggs (up to two/three thousand a day in optimal conditions) and lives for as long as 5 years, while the worker bees die after only about 30/35 days from being born”.
What is this difference due to? “Worker bees feed on carbohydrates, honey and pollen. The queens only eat royal jelly. It’s all about their nourishment”.
Royal jelly
Royal jelly is a secretion produced by the worker bees’ hypopharyngeal and jaw glands, and it’s the exclusive nourishment of the queen bee. “Given its beneficial effects, – says Capellupo – it is not only good for bees but also for us. Its manufacturing process is quite complex though, and generates only a minimum amount of product. Besides, there are very few producers in Italy, and we therefore have to import it from China. The problem is that the royal jelly we receive is often made using chemicals”.
Honey and the products of the beehive
Besides royal jelly, the apiculturist will also talk about other products of the beehive like propolis, pollen and honey, about which he has revealed a few “secrets” to us: “Broadly speaking, darker honey like acacia, heather and honeydew is richer in properties and has a higher protein content”.
Which ones are best to cure a sore throat? “In that case I recommend linden honey, particularly good for the bronchi and the respiratory system in general. The most effective product for the throat is propolis though”. Capellupo leaves us with a recommendation: “To preserve its properties, honey should never be used to sweeten drinks: the flavour remains but, above 42 degrees Celsius, it loses its beneficial effects”.
Please write an email to leteatbi@cittadellarte.it or send an SMS or WhatsApp to the number 348.2106708 to take part in the event. The fee is 5 euros.
