Bienenbrotmasse

Bienenbrotmasse refers to a food source for honeybees, specifically a mixture of pollen and honey that the bees store in their hives. This substance, often referred to as "bee bread" or "pollen dough," is a vital component of a bee colony's diet. Pollen, collected from flowers, provides the essential proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals that young bees need for growth and development. Honey acts as a preservative, preventing spoilage and providing carbohydrates for energy.

The bees process the collected pollen by mixing it with nectar or honey and enzymes from their own bodies. This mixture is then packed tightly into the honeycomb cells, where it undergoes fermentation. This natural fermentation process enhances the nutritional value and digestibility of the pollen. Bienenbrotmasse is stored in the brood nest, ensuring a readily available food supply for the developing larvae and the adult bees. The color of bee bread can vary widely depending on the types of pollen collected, ranging from pale yellow to deep red and even black. Its presence in the hive is a strong indicator of a healthy and active bee colony. Beekeepers sometimes monitor the amount of bee bread stored as an indicator of the colony's foraging success and overall health.