- In some parts of the tropics, the larval and pupal stages of the honeybees (brood) are consumed as food in certain cultures.
- Bee brood has an important commercial potential as protein ingredient in animal diet particularly in poultry and aquaculture.
- Bee larvae can be marketed as fresh, frozen or dried for human consumption.
- Bee brood has good natural nutritional value and should be harvested 9-11 days after the queen has laid eggs.
- Larvae are most conveniently removed from the comb before the cells are sealed but larval weight continues to increase for a day after cells are capped.
- Removal of larvae from the comb can be accomplished either by impact e.g. swinging or the use of jet water. Brood can also be harvested by cutting out a comb section.
Raw Bee Larvae
Fried bee larvae
