As a beekeeper, I’m fascinated by the subtle differences in honey from different locations. I recently had the opportunity to compare honey from my apiaries—one in Bellevue, Washington, and the other in Carnation, Washington. Both honeys were delicious, but there was something special about the Carnation honey. Not only was it richer in flavor, but the Carnation bees also survived the winter better than their Bellevue counterparts. This piqued my curiosity, and I wanted to know why.

“The bees are a wonderful race of insects, and their honey is a valuable gift of nature.”

— Thomas Jefferson, letter to John Vaughan, January 26, 1806

To get to the bottom of it, I had the honey tested by Jonah Ventures using their honey pollen analysis process. This method extracts and identifies the DNA of pollen present in the honey, giving insight into which plants the bees were foraging on. The results were eye-opening.

The Pollen Breakdown

The analysis revealed significant differences in the floral sources between the two locations:

• Bellevue Honey: The dominant pollen came from the Rosaceae family (apples, pears, blackberries) at 58%, followed by Trifolium (clover) at 18%, and Rzedowskia (American bittersweet) at 11%. Other minor contributors included Lycopodiopsida (clubmoss) at 8% and Ailanthus (tree of heaven) at 5%.
• Carnation Honey: The primary pollen source was Rosaceae at 51.9% followed by Cucumis (cucumber, squash, and melons) at 42.9%. There were also trace amounts of Chamaenerion (fireweed) and Sphagnum (moss), indicating a slightly more diverse foraging range.

What These Results Tell Us

The most striking difference is the presence of Cucumis pollen in Carnation honey, which was completely absent in Bellevue. This suggests that bees in Carnation had access to different agricultural crops, possibly benefiting from farm pollination opportunities. Additionally, the Bellevue honey had a much higher percentage of Trifolium (clover) and American bittersweet, which might not provide the same nutritional diversity as the Cucumis-heavy diet in Carnation.

Another key factor is floral availability throughout the year. The higher survival rate of the Carnation bees could be attributed to a more varied and sustained nectar flow, ensuring they had ample stores for winter. In contrast, Bellevue’s floral sources may have been more seasonal, leading to potential nutritional gaps.

The Importance of a Healthy Environment for Bees

The health of bees is intricately linked to their environment. The quality and diversity of nectar and pollen available directly affect their nutrition, as different flowers provide varying levels of essential nutrients. A diverse floral landscape can bolster bee immunity and overall health by offering a balanced diet. Water sources are also crucial; clean, accessible water helps bees maintain proper hydration and aids in the digestion of their food. Additionally, other environmental factors like pesticide exposure, weather conditions, and habitat quality can significantly impact bee health. For example, exposure to pesticides can weaken bees’ immune systems, making them more susceptible to diseases. Essentially, a rich and clean environment is vital for thriving bee populations.

The Superiority of Carnation Honey

Beyond the pollen composition, the flavor of the Carnation honey was noticeably richer, with a more complex, well-rounded taste. This could be due to the greater variety of floral sources, as well as potential microclimate differences influencing nectar production.

Lessons Learned

This analysis reinforced the importance of plant diversity in supporting healthy bee colonies. However, it is important to note that this analysis focused solely on the DNA analysis of the pollen found in the honey. Other environmental factors may have played a role in the differences observed. The Bellevue apiary is located closer to an urban area, including the Bellevue Golf Course, which likely uses pesticides according to the Bellevue Golf Course’s Environmental Best Management Practices Manual. In contrast, the Carnation apiary is situated in a farming district, where different land management practices may contribute to a healthier environment for the bees.

Moving forward, should I return to beekeeping, I would incorporate more diverse forage options, perhaps introducing Cucumis or other beneficial plants to improve their diet. Understanding what bees are foraging not only enhances honey quality but also plays a crucial role in their overall health and winter survival.

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