Propolis is a very interesting substance that is used in many areas. It takes on an important role in nature alone. Here it protects the beehive from the spread of germs, fungi and bacteria that could be dangerous to the beehive. Hence the name of the propolis is derived. Propolis is made up of the Greek words “pro” and “polis”. Pro means before and Polis means city. This is how the nickname “protector of the city” (of the beehive) is derived.
Propolis is very helpful in building and protecting the beehive. This fabric is light yellow to brown or even black in color. It tastes bitter and hot, but smells quite sweet. The taste as well as the color and the smell can vary greatly depending on the origin. At the approx. 35 ° C prevailing in the beehive, the propolis is pliable and sticky and therefore very suitable for building the beehive.
Bees collect the propolis on the buds and bark of various plants. Trees such as poplar, various types of willow, aspens, and horse chestnuts are particularly good sources of propolis. The buds of the trees are enveloped in a fragrant and waxy balm, the cutin. This substance is collected by the bees and processed in the beehive. By salivating and chewing the cutin and thus adding various enzymes, the cutin becomes propolis, which is then used to seal and ward off infections in the beehive.
Man extracts propolis by scraping it from the beehive. It can be found especially at entrances and crossings. Wherever sealing is required, propolis is used most. A colony of bees produces around 500 g of propolis in one year.
All information about propolis can be found in our Propolis Lexicon.
You can find high-quality propolis products in many variations in our Propolis shop.
