5 Easy Homemade Bee Candy Recipes for Winter Survival

Winter can be particularly harsh on bee populations, necessitating the need for additional food sources to ensure their survival. Bees rely on stored honey for sustenance during the colder months, but when food stores dwindle, beekeepers often provide supplementary feeding in the form of bee candy. Here, we'll explore five straightforward recipes to make your own bee candy, offering crucial nourishment to your hives when they need it most.

Why Feed Bees Candy in Winter?

Winter in colder climates means bees need to conserve energy to maintain hive temperature. When the natural nectar flow stops and their honey reserves run low, beekeepers turn to substitutes like candy to support their bees' nutritional needs. Here are a few reasons why feeding bees candy is beneficial:

• Easier Digestion: Bee candy provides bees with a direct source of carbohydrates without the need for processing large quantities of water.
• Minimal Maintenance: Candy lasts longer than syrup, reducing the frequency of feeding, especially when temperatures are too low to open hives regularly.
• Reduced Risk: Offering candy directly reduces the chances of encouraging robbing behavior among bees from different hives.

Recipe 1: The Classic Sugar Cake

Ingredients:

• 8 cups of granulated white sugar
• 1 cup of water
• 1 tablespoon of white vinegar (helps to prevent crystallization)
• Essential oils (optional, for additional benefits)

Instructions:

1. Mix sugar and water in a large pot, stirring over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add vinegar and bring the mixture to a slow boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. If adding essential oils, mix them in now.
4. Pour into a baking dish lined with parchment paper and allow it to cool until set. Cut into blocks when solidified.

🐝 Note: Adding essential oils like lemongrass or spearmint can provide bees with mite resistance and additional nutritional support.

Recipe 2: Fondant Candy

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of sugar
• 3⁄4 cup of water
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1/2 cup of light corn syrup or honey (optional for added benefits)

Instructions:

1. Heat the sugar, water, lemon juice, and corn syrup (if using) in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves, then cook to soft ball stage (234°F or 112°C).
2. Remove from heat, stir gently to prevent large crystals, and pour into a lined pan to cool.
3. Once cooled, knead the fondant until it’s firm, then cut it into bee-friendly portions.

Recipe 3: Honey Candy

Making candy from honey itself can be particularly beneficial as it provides bees with what they naturally prefer. Here's how to make a honey candy that's easy for bees to consume:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of pure honey
• 1⁄2 cup of sugar (to help stabilize)
• 1⁄2 cup of water

Instructions:

1. Heat honey, sugar, and water in a saucepan until the mixture reaches a temperature of 300°F (150°C).
2. Pour onto a buttered sheet or into molds and allow it to cool into a hard candy.

🍯 Note: While honey has antimicrobial properties, using high temperatures can destroy some of these benefits, so this recipe focuses on preservation of honey's natural goodness.

Recipe 4: No-Cook Sugar Paste

If you want to avoid heat-related nutritional loss, here's a simple no-cook recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of powdered sugar
• 1 cup of corn syrup or light honey

Instructions:

1. Mix powdered sugar and corn syrup (or honey) until they form a thick, kneadable paste.
2. Knead the paste and shape into blocks or patties.

Recipe 5: Egg Yolk Candy

This recipe adds an extra nutrient boost from egg yolks:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of sugar
• 1 cup of water
• 2 egg yolks

Instructions:

1. Heat sugar and water to dissolve the sugar, then bring to a boil.
2. Add beaten egg yolks and stir continuously to incorporate well.
3. Cook until thick, pour into molds or sheets, and allow to cool.

🥚 Note: While egg yolks add protein, ensuring they are pasteurized or using safe eggs is crucial to prevent the spread of any potential pathogens in the hive.

In the final analysis, homemade bee candy not only supports bee colonies through winter by providing essential carbohydrates but also allows beekeepers to customize the nutrients provided. From the classic sugar cake to the nutrient-rich egg yolk candy, these recipes are accessible, effective, and promote a healthier bee population. By understanding and adapting these methods, beekeepers can contribute significantly to their bees' survival and health.