{"id":2978,"date":"2012-12-10T08:20:25","date_gmt":"2012-12-09T22:20:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.belly.net.au\/?p=2978"},"modified":"2012-12-13T16:07:51","modified_gmt":"2012-12-13T06:07:51","slug":"beekeepers-special","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.belly.net.au\/?p=2978","title":{"rendered":"bees, honey, mead, tomatoes, & more beezzz"},"content":{"rendered":"

On air on Byron Bay’s bayfm 99.9 community radio on 10 December, 2012<\/strong><\/p>\n

Today on belly we\u00a0 talked about our precious bees.\u00a0 Leah Roland from the Bangalow Cooking School\u00a0 shared some honey stories & honey recipes, but in the first hour of belly we\u00a0 focused mostly on the essential role they play in pollination.\u00a0 Without them our tables would be pretty empty.\u00a0 Some say the world as we know it will end shortly after the last bee disappears.\u00a0 But this is not a gloomy belly, there are many people getting together to help the bees. We\u00a0 met a wonderful panel of farmers and beekeepers, found out how we can get involved, & learned lots more about our Australian native bees.\u00a0 Kat came from the new group Mullumbimbees,\u00a0 Eric Smith and James Creagh from Federal, to talk about natural beekeeping of the European honey bee.\u00a0 Eric is a very new beekeeper.\u00a0 He has found that bees like very calm people, and he enjoys their company.\u00a0 Actually all the guests, and Sister Cath who has several native hives, seem to love watching the bees. Frank Adcock, farmer,\u00a0 native bee specialist & neighbour of Sister Cath’s came from Federal.\u00a0 It was good to see them share knowledge, & the love of bees, together as well as with listeners.\u00a0 We finished the show with a walk around Heather and Hugh Armstrong’s tomato farm at Cooper Shoot, where they also have the help of little blue banded native bees.\u00a0 Frank says they are solitary bees, but Hugh and Heather like the work even just a few of these little creatures do.\u00a0\u00a0 All the more reason to have plenty of native and other flowers around our homes, and feed all the different types of bees.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BEES AND BEEKEEPING<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There is loads of information about beekeeping both in books and the internet, but not all may work for you.\u00a0 Malcolm Sanfordn& Richard Bonney in ‘Storey’s guide to keeping honey bees’, start by saying:<\/p>\n

“Like the bees in their colony working together to survive, no individual human can succeed alone when it comes to caring for this social insect”.<\/p>\n

So we are very lucky that the Northern Rivers is positively buzzing with beekeeping mutual help groups.\u00a0 They have newsletters, workshops, order hive materials as a group, get together to make hives, and of course share lots of information.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

James Creagh as the beekeeping prophet <\/p><\/div>\n

James recommends you try to see the Queen Of the Sun – Documentary about the plight of bees with some positive approaches.<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.queenofthesun.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Planned screening in Mullum in February 2013.\u00a0 Date to be announced.<\/p>\n

Queen of the Sun is also available as a book from your local library.<\/p>\n

T Siegel and J Betz (ed)\u00a0\u00a0 www.clairviewbooks.com<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

General info about bees –\u00a0 http:\/\/www.dpi.nsw.gov.au\/agriculture\/livestock\/honey-bees\/management\/responsibilities\/backyard<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Contacts for Mullumbimbees Natural Beekeeping group –\u00a0 mullumbees@gmail.com<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/Mullumbimbees\/?ref=ts&fref=ts<\/a><\/p>\n

Workshop \u201cIntroduction to Natural Beekeeping ” –\u00a0 January 2013 Booking mullumbees@gmail.com<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

General Info about \u201cNatural Beekeeping\u201d –\u00a0 http:\/\/naturalbeekeeping.com.au\/naturalbeekeeping.html<\/a><\/p>\n

Nimbin Natural Beekeepers \u2013 jamescreagh@hotmail.com<\/p>\n

Meet 1st Sunday of each month<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Nimbin Natural Beekeepers - hive making work bee <\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Australian native bees<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

native bee box entrance<\/p><\/div>\n

If you are in the Lismore\/Casino area, our guest Frank Adcock is not only a farmer and native beekeeper, but a teacher.<\/p>\n

Caring for Native Bees –\u00a0 Tutor Frank Adcock<\/p>\n

The course introduces you to Australian native beekeeping and gives you the knowledge and confidence to care for your bees. You will be studying the stingless social species trigona carbonaria, a true blue Australian bee which is native to our area. These little creatures are amazing to watch as they work, they don’t sting so the honey can be harvested safely, and they are great pollinators of local fruit and nut trees. If you think you might like to give a hive a home, come along to this<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.acecolleges.edu.au\/colleges-courses\/lismore\/leisure-and-lifestyle-courses\/practical-home-living\/p\/945#.UMVgWGdaeNU<\/a><\/p>\n

when & where<\/p>\n

Lismore Saturday 9 February,2013 and Saturday 11 May, 2013<\/p>\n

Casino Saturday 23 February, 2013.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There are lots of photos and information about native bees on this website:<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.aussiebee.com.au\/<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

native bee box in 8 year old macadamia trees<\/p><\/div>\n

Even for those of us who don’t intend to formally set up a native bee colony, it’s a good idea to get to know them, so we don’t mistakenly kill them thinking they are wasps.\u00a0 I had a chat to Kerry\u00a0 & Lorraine from Monty’s Strawberries at the farmers market.\u00a0 They decided to get some native bees this year, after seeing very few honeybees in their area.\u00a0 They are very happy with them, not only because the strawberries had a great season, but because their grandkids can play among the bees with no danger of getting stung. We are lucky to have several stingless bees in Eastern Australia, including the commercially used variety trigona carbonaria.\u00a0 Frank told us that in Brisbane, native bees are colonising water meters, not an ideal spot.\u00a0 But if we put a specially designed box or two in the garden for them, they will set up there in preference to odd little locations around human houses.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PLANTS FOR BEES<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

James Creagh and Peter Stace (who is from Jiggi near Lismore), are putting together a list of plants that bees love.\u00a0 The more food is available for bees, the more honey there will be for all of us, but more importantly, the more healthy productive plants, both in home gardens and local farms. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

This list is a work in progress, feel free to contribute.
\n<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Flowers:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Alyssum, Balsam, Aster, Catmint, Cornflower, Convolvulus,<\/p>\n

Cornflower, Cosmos, Crocus, French Marigold, Mallow, Nasturtium, Poppy,<\/p>\n

Sunflower, Zinnia, Nasturtium , Sunflower<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shrubs:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fuchsia, Geranium, Hebe (Veronica), Hollyhock, Kniphophia<\/p>\n

(Red Hot Poker), Lavender, Marjoram, Salvias, Rosemary, Thyme, Veronica, Citrus<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Natives:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Banksia, Bottlebrush, Calistamons, Eucalypts, Wattles,Flame Tree<\/p>\n

Eucalypts – Most honey produced in Australia is produced from the nectar of Eucalyptus trees.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Herbs:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Lemon Balm, Basil, Hyssop, Lavender, Marjoram, Mint family<\/p>\n

(Labiatae), Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Savoury, Thyme, Oregano – have large numbers<\/p>\n

of bee attracting flowers, Borage.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

JAMES’S QUICK MEAD RECIPE<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mix 1 part cappings with 4 parts water.<\/p>\n

If using honey use 1 part honey to 6 parts water.<\/p>\n

Allow to stand overnight covered with cotton cloth.<\/p>\n

Drain off wax next day.<\/p>\n

Optional add juiced fruit in season e.g. Mulberries, plum, jaboticaba,ginger etc.<\/p>\n

Allow to stand for a few days checking each day for taste. Depending on the temperature it will begin to ferment in a few days. Stir each day you check and when tasting good bottle up. The longer it ferments the more alcohol content in the mead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

LEAH’S GREEK HONEY & WALNUT BISCUITS<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMelomakarona\u201d which happens to be a Greek Christmas Cookie<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

1 cup olive oil<\/p>\n

1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice and the zest of 1 orange<\/p>\n

1\/2 cup brown or white sugar<\/p>\n

4 \u00bd – 5 cups self-raising flour<\/p>\n

1 cup of walnuts coarsely ground<\/p>\n

1 teaspoon<\/p>\n

\u00bc teaspoon of ground cloves<\/p>\n

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon<\/p>\n

Syrup<\/p>\n

1 cup sugar<\/p>\n

1 cup water<\/p>\n

1 cup of honey<\/p>\n

1 cinnamon stick<\/p>\n

\u00bd cup chopped walnuts, extra<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

1. Preheat oven to 180C (or 160C for fan-forced).<\/p>\n

2. Make syrup ahead of time so it can be cool. For the syrup, combine sugar, honey, cinnamon & water. Bring to boil for 5 mins.<\/p>\n

3. Mix the oil, orange juice, zest, sugar, nuts, spices and flour until smooth. The dough should be soft and not sticky you may need extra flour<\/p>\n

4. Shape biscuits into elongated egg shape (approx 30-40gram each) Place on a lined baking trays lined with baking paper. Be sure not to over crowd as the biscuit will double in size in the baking process.<\/p>\n

5. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden. Remove hot biscuit and place a few at a time in the cooled syrup. Allow the biscuit to drink up a little of the syrup.<\/p>\n

Remove and place onto a cooling rack. Sprinkle top with ground up walnuts whilst still wet.<\/p>\n

Once cooled, store in an airtight container.<\/p>\n

Makes about 60 biscuits that keep well for a week great with a long black! Or a macchiato<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Recipe by Leah Roland Bangalow Cooking School<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BELLY BULLETIN<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Happy Hanukkah to our Jewish bellysisters.\u00a0 Hanukkah the Jewish festival of lights is on right now.\u00a0 It is the time to light candles, sing, give gifts, & eat food fried in oil, especially olive oil, including fried potato pancakes and jam doughnuts.\u00a0 Also eating cheese products is popular. Now that’s a good way to celebrate.<\/p>\n

If you like to eat & drink with artists check out the open evening this Thursday on the Byron arts & industry estate arts trail.\u00a0 Lots of galleries will be open & will have nibbles,& drinks, at some places you can take food to share & enjoy the art,entertainment, film screeenings, & company. Check out local papers or www.facebook.com\/byronartstrail
\n<\/a><\/p>\n

Francisco Smoje’s last pop up dinner of the year will be in Federal this Saturday 15 December at 7pm.\u00a0 Lots of lovely ripe tomatoes on the menu. BYO, $55 a head, vegetarian optios will be available, bookings essential.\u00a0 More info & to book:<\/p>\n

0416057705\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/a>www.facebook.com\/FranciscosTable<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BELLY TOMATO SAFARI<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

berry tomatoes<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Heather & Hugh in the tomato jungle<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

A big thank you to Heather and Hugh Armstrong of Coopers Shoot Tomatoes<\/a> for the tour of their farm and their advice on growing good tomatoes in our veggy patches.<\/p>\n

You will find more audio from the visit in last week’s belly post.<\/p>\n

If you only have a few minutes, listen to their top tips from 14 years of tomato growing, and their favourite ways to cook tomatoes, in this audio clip:<\/p>\n

audio – tomato growing and cooking tips<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

If you have a bit more time, join Hugh, Heather and Sister T on a tour of the farm.\u00a0 This is a longer interview of the tour than the one I played on belly, but for copyright reasons it doesn’t have the safari music samples.\u00a0 I hope you enjoy your visit, it starts with a discussion of some of the animals that help out on the farm, from cows to bees.<\/p>\n

audio – Sister Tess on belly tomato safari at Coopers Shoot Tomatoes<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

ox heart tomatoes<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BUZZING MUSIC<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Arthur Askey – the bee song<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Itzak Perlman performing Rimsky-Korsakov’s flight of the bumblebee<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jez Mead – beard of bees<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Slim Harpo – I’m a king bee<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Taj Mahal – Queen bee<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francois Couperin, a little mead flavoured medieval magic – tracks from Concert Royal No4 in E minor, performed by Le Rondeau de Paris<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Van Morrison – Tupelo honey<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Minipop – my little bee<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Rolling Stones – dead flowers – sorry it was short Hugh, we talk too much!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Love and chocolate flowers (that’s to attract the bees that make nutella), sister T<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

On air on Byron Bay’s bayfm 99.9 community radio on 10 December, 2012 Today on belly we\u00a0 talked about our precious bees.\u00a0 Leah Roland from the Bangalow Cooking School\u00a0 shared some honey stories & honey recipes, but in the first hour of belly we\u00a0 focused mostly on the essential role they play in pollination.\u00a0 Without […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[302,235,296,303,83,31,305],"class_list":["post-2978","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-bees","tag-biscuits","tag-honey","tag-mead","tag-nuts","tag-tomatoes","tag-walnuts"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.belly.net.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2978","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.belly.net.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.belly.net.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.belly.net.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.belly.net.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2978"}],"version-history":[{"count":33,"href":"https:\/\/www.belly.net.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2978\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3030,"href":"https:\/\/www.belly.net.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2978\/revisions\/3030"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.belly.net.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2978"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.belly.net.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2978"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.belly.net.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2978"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}