Antonio - Organic Bee Pollen - 225g (Fresh, Raw, Organic) (stored frozen)

Antonio's fresh organic multifloral pollen is frozen right out of the hive. This is the best way to have pollen unless you have your own hives. Bee pollen contains a wide variety of long-chain fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and trace elements as well as enzymes from the bees themselves. Fresh pollen has more available nutrients than dried pollen, and because it isn't hardened from being dried, the body can more readily absorb the natural goodness without needing to be reconstituted

On the flavour: This pollen has a mildly sweet taste, similar to very ripe Russet apples and raisins, but much more mild. It is very easy to enjoy from the very first time, with a pleasant flavour that does not linger overly long on the palate.

Colour: This particular pollen is bright yellow and orange with the occasional purple grains.

Who produces this pollen?  The bees of Antonio Simone, a 4^th generation beekeeper who takes pride in producing pollen in a traditional way without adding or taking away anything. Antonio's hives are based in wild areas north of Madrid. His beekeeping practices and the land he has his hives on have been certified as organic by the Committee of Organic Agriculture in Madrid.

What plants does this pollen come from? The wild flowers and flora of northern Madrid are varied amongst the mountainous regions. There are spring narcissi, crocuses, lavenders, brimeura, gagea and romulea just to name a few that are in multifloral honey!

Common uses: Pollen has been used throughout the ages as a source of food and nourishment. It can be used as a topping for yoghurt or cereal, blended into smoothies, mixed into salad dressings and many other uses so long as it is not heated, which would damage some of the nutrients.

Pollen facts: Long ago, the Greeks and Romans called natural bee pollen "the life-giving dust" or the secret "ambrosia", which was eaten to acquire eternal youth. Pollen was entombed with pharaohs, used by the American Indians, and for centuries by tribes in China. Bees have pollen sacks, which they collect the pollen in to take back to the hive. The brood needs a lot of protein to aid its growth, and so for short periods of time the beekeepers harvest the pollen by placing small brushes at the entrance of the hive. This brushes off the pollen grains, which are collected, and the bees are then left to collect without further interference.

Important notices:

Allergies:

If you are affected by hay fever, then bee pollen can cause an allergic reaction. If you are in any doubt it is advisable to take just a few grains initially and then wait to see if you get a reaction. If you don't, gradually increase the dosage until you are sure it is not negatively affecting you.

Transit:

Fresh frozen items are sent in insulated boxes with an ice pack to keep them cool.  While in transit, the items may defrost.  This is normal and will not harm the quality of the items.  Fresh items are safe to remain in transit for up to one week and can be used as normal once received.

As soon as you receive it, be sure to put it either into the fridge for immediate use or the freezer for later use.