Although the U.S. White House is usually busy dealing with a faltering economy and terrorism-related threats in the Middle East, it’s been buzzing with a different kind of activity this season.
The honeybees on the South Lawn has reportedly delivered 175 pounds of honey this year.
Yes, the U.S. presidential headquarters has its own beehive…
According to Ecorazzi.com, the Association of Food Journalists was brought in for a tour last weekend. That’s when White House Executive Pastry Chef Bill Yosses revealed this year’s yield. He said the honey was down from the 225.5 pounds received last year. But still very much in line with 2009 (134 pounds) and 2010 (184 pounds).
The website reports that Texas A&M University did an analyzation of the White House honey last year. And those numbers revealed the dominant pollen source as clover — along with dogwood, cherry, crepe myrtle, elm, magnolia trees, honeysuckle and even poison ivy.
Unlike other beekeepers in the Northeast, Ecorazzi reports that White House beekeeper Charlie Brandts tends to harvest the South Lawn hive in early August. In an interview with the Washington Examiner, he reportedly credited the “country-like setting” of the White House with its populations of trees, annuals and ponds for providing a “Shangri La for bees.”
Much of the honey is used in the White House kitchen for various dishes and desserts. But Ecorazzi says the honey is often gifted by the Obamas to foreign dignitaries and guests. It is also used in the official White House Honey Ale!
