How to Process & Package Bee Pollen

Pollen is the dust-sized, male seed of flowers. It collects on the hind legs of honeybees as they visit flowers and then taken from bees as they enter their hives through a wire mesh trap. Bee pollen is produced in high volume during the spring and fall seasons. It has been shown to contain more than 96 different nutrients and the perceived health benefits of bee pollen have made it a popular health-food item. The gathering, processing and packaging of bee pollen a burgeoning cottage industry.

Instructions

1

Drive the bees from the hive with a smoker.

2

Slide the pollen trap from the bottom of each hive. Gather the bee pollen stored inside by tipping it out of the trap into a collection bucket. Slide the trap back in place.

3

Take the pollen to a sanitary processing area. Using a ladle, scoop the bee pollen into airtight containers, sealing each container when it is filled. Place the filled containers in a refrigerator until ready to process.

4

Place the pollen in drying pans on a table or rack in a sealed-off area. Using a dehumidifier, allow the pollen to dry without heat. It should be dry within an hour.

5

Fill sterilized bottles with pollen, using a funnel. Seal the bottles until they are airtight. Attach labels on each bottle to list vital information such as the product name, bottling date, and expiration date.