Bron's Bees

Last week, we had the first winter day over 50 degrees in Chicago.  It’s a signal for the bees at Heritage Prairie Farm to begin their first cleansing flight of the long winter.   Bronwyn Weaver, owner of Heritage Prairie Farm, lovingly maintains over thirty hives throughout the year.  Bronwyn explained that bees are alive and active during the cold winter months.  The worker bees huddle around their queen, rapidly moving their wings and creating a toasty 90-degree heat around her as she eats the honey stored within the hive.  Bronwyn monitors their supply of food throughout the winter and supplements with additional honey and water only when necessary.

Meticulous housekeepers, bees store their waste internally until the first warm winter day.  The entrance of the hive, which has been wrapped with protective insulation, must be kept clear of snow as the day warms.  If you stand by the hive the bees will slowly start to appear for their quick cleansing flight in the warm sun and deposit their waste away from the hive.  It’s a fascinating process to watch and learn about the life cycle of Bron’s bees. 

Big Bowl will be supporting Bron’s Bee Company by sponsoring a hive this year.  This month, as the work begins on another honey season, Big Bowl will pre-purchase the honey we use throughout the year. We proudly support the efforts of farmers like Bronwyn and encourage our guests to do the same. In addition to local raw honey, Bron infuses honey with a variety of natural flavors including lavender, mint, and cocoa.  The cocoa honey blended with warm milk makes the best hot chocolate.  If you would like to purchase Bron’s honey or a variety of other local, organic products, you can visit the store at Heritage Prairie Farm or her website for details about local retailers.