Local beekeepers explain benefits of Kansas honey at the Kansas State Fair
The Kansas Honey Producers Association held a honey demonstration on Saturday morning at the Kansas State Fair. The demo focused on the use of beeswax, nectar and pollen by both bees and humans.
Kristi Sanderson, Second Vice President of the association, performed the demo and explained the process of beekeeping and honey making to a group of enthused spectators.
"Bees work with flowers, and they mainly gather water, nectar and pollen. They pack the pollen on their legs and we as beekeepers have a contraption that takes the pollen off their legs," Sanderson said. "It takes seven pounds of nectar to make beeswax. They use wax to make honeycomb, which is used to raise their young. They also use it for storage with the pollen and nectar as well.”
Pollen is used as a protein source for developing bee larvae as well as adult bees. Humans can also benefit from using it as a source of protein, as well as for sinuses and home remedies.
“Pollen is what they call nature's miracle. They use it for seasonal allergies and headaches,” Sanderson said. “It's a protein source, and it's used by the bees for their young.”
Honey is a natural sweetener famously associated with bees that is used by people all over the world for its distinct taste. While many Americans prefer liquid honey, the rest of the world tends to use crystalized honey, an aged form of the sweetener that naturally occurs with time.
“Honey is a natural sugar, so it digests much easier in your body than cane sugar or high fructose corn syrup,” Sanderson said. “We as Americans are the only country that likes Honey in its liquid form. A lot of other cultures prefer the crystallized state.”
Sanderson also spoke about how beeswax is used in everyday products by humans. Certain properties in wax can be used for many different applications, including toiletries, lubrication and repair.
"Beeswax is used in lip balms, lotion, candles and many other common things used. A lot of carpenters like to use beeswax on their screws. It keeps the wood from splitting, Sanderson said. "Quilters use it on their thread. It's also a natural water repellent.”
She also explained many uses of beeswax for daily use by people. Beeswax can be used for skincare, cleaning and numerous other instances.
"Drawers in your house can use beeswax when they're. Zippers that aren't gliding real smoothly can use wax to make it go. It makes a good furniture polish," Sanderson said. "A lot of men will use it as a beard paste. Older folks will use beeswax when they're canning. When I strain the wax through the fleece material, I can use it for a fire starter. People that play instruments use it on their reeds.”
A key feature of beeswax is its shelf life. Sanderson reported that real beeswax will last indefinitely if kept in an appropriate place. Imperfections that naturally occur can be easily countered and discarded.
"Beeswax will never spoil. It will last forever and only separate, which can be eliminated by rubbing the separated honey with a wet cloth," Sanderson said.
The association has a booth located in the Meadowlark Building at the Kansas State Fair, selling locally-produced honey and other bee products. All are encouraged to support local beekeepers and celebrate the long-standing tradition of Kansas honey.