Honey Explained in Five Steps

Not so long ago urban beekeeping in New York was illegal. But now that the activity was officially sanctioned a couple of months ago, New York magazine has rolled out a little guide for urban apiarists. It's worth a quick read, but the highlight for me was the "How a Hive Works" section, where writer Kaija Helmetag breaks down just exactly how bees make honey in five steps.

Helmetag reveals some interesting facts as well: Bees can carry 50 percent of their weight in nectar, they carry nectar in a special "honey stomach," honey is nectar that has lost 80 percent of its water, and a single hive in top shape can produce 100 pounds of honey annually.

Image by Galen Krumel