A Hum of Bees

There are over 16,000 species of bees and they are the most important pollinators of food crops globally. Honey bees are the only insect that produces food that humans eat. The honey has antibacterial properties and contains vitamins, minerals and pinocembrin, an antioxidant associated with improved brain function. It is also delicious. Honey bees communicate with each other by doing a “waggle dance.” Fermented honey, or mead, is one of the earliest alcoholic beverages. The term “honeymoon” originated with the Norse practice of consuming large quantities of mead during the first month of marriage.