Well, not so much emphasis on the birds, but definitely a lot of emphasis on the bees! As most of you probably know (don't feel bad if you don't), bees are very critical to the growth of our food. Their hard work pollinates the flowers which ultimately become the fruit (or vegetable) of the plant. I don't think I realized that most vegetables grow out of the plant's flower (squash blossoms turn into hearty zucchini, tomato flowers turn into juicy, ripe tomatoes, and so on and so forth). I obviously remember something about pollination that we were taught in elementary school science, but I honestly thought bees were nothing more than a nuisance...one that you aren't supposed to swat away but that your natural instinct is to swat like hell until they get out of your face.
This year, Michael sought out local beekeepers who were in need of a place to keep their hive. It'd be beneficial for the farm and could also be a potential source of fresh, raw honey for our members. After listening to Michael "interview" several beekeepers (the conversations were somewhat interesting), I thought he was going to lean towards the beekeeper who had an already-established operation and needed more land for his hives. Shortsightedly, I thought this because it seemed like the best chance for access to significant amounts of honey...which our members in the past have loved. In retrospect (and maybe if I was listening a little closer rather than playing Scramble with Friends (can I even say that or is it trademarked? I should probably know...), his choice was obvious: the beekeeper who was interested in learning about bees but didn't have any because he didn't have any land. It was meant to be: a struggling farmer without access to land finally has a large plot of land (that he obtained access to through a very thoughtful and amazing friend) and is able to "pay it forward" to the struggling beekeeper who needs land in order to start his desired craft. And, so, this is how One Acre Farm came to have bees. (Michael also just informed me that there are actually two beekeepers (one that is more experienced) that have hives on our property, but, for the poetic license of my story, let's just pretend I didn't know that). (Ed. note: I need to give credit where credit is due and the more experienced beekeeper is not as random as I am making him out to be. He is actually very legitimate, uses novel methods and is an all around "hard core dude". Michael's words, not mine).
The other day, Michael called me excitedly to tell me that he and the more experienced beekeeper (again, for poetic license, let's just say it was the new beekeeper) had pulled a fresh, hot honeycomb from the hive. It sounded incredible. I can only picture the two of them like my favorite childhood character Winnie-the-Pooh (trademarked, copyrighted, patent pending I am sure -- see above), hands cupping the honey and dripping -- no, running -- down their fingers. Hopefully this mutually beneficial relationship will also mean that we'll have fresh honey to offer at some point in the future. Stay tuned...
Your share this week will consist of: garlic, (the last of the) garlic scapes, bok choy, lettuce, turnips, cabbage, fennel, and mustard greens. Until next time...
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