The
Part 3
Hunolts
Winter on the Homestead
by Jason and Branwen Hunolt
ere we are , at the waning of our first winter on the Hunolt family homestead . Most people might think that the winter months bring to a close the work necessary to maintain food production , but that couldn ’ t be further from the truth . In fact , people unfamiliar with the production of food and medicinal herbs might not realize “ harvest ” is a year-round occurrence , especially if you have a hothouse . There is certainly more activity in the spring , summer and fall , but winter is not lifeless .
Winter is especially a time to make ideas , plan and research before all of the spring activity . We have spent a great deal of time building a large cold frame ( which allowed us to overwinter kale ), planning and scheming , purchasing plants , doing maintenance and even taking classes on beekeeping !
We value the prospect of beekeeping not only to help preserve and , hopefully , multiply bee populations , but also for the wondrous things bees make : honey , royal jelly , bee pollen , propolis and wax .
Honey is a very well-known food — used for everything from sandwiches to desserts , even making alcohol preparations such as mead . But many people are unfamiliar with one of honey ’ s foremost applications : a topical medicine for wounds . The Egyptians and many folk herbalists today use honey for its anaerobic property which , when applied to an open wound , doesn ’ t allow for infection to take place as it cannot manifest without oxygen . In fact , this is only one facet of its antimicrobial function .
As for the other hive products , royal jelly is a substance created solely to rear a queen and is attributed for her great size . Bee pollen is often valued as an aid for supporting allergies , energy and general well-being . Propolis is a very powerful resinous material produced from the early buds of trees and other plant materials which bees use to not only coat , seal and repair the hive , but also to enclose the bodies of hive invaders they kill and cannot remove , such as a large mouse or snake . This helps ensure a sterile environment to keep the hive healthy . Propolis is valued as an extremely powerful antiviral and antiseptic . Because of this , many cultures use it to fight off illness and to dress wounds , even though it is tricky and sticky to work with . Bee wax is useful for candles , but since we ’ re herbalists , we also value it for its role in salve making .