Ladies in the Apiary and a Cool Honey Drink

1937 magazine picture of some gals in the apiary

American Bee Journal

What a little bit of summer nostalgia! It was fun recently to come across this old magazine picture from the 30's of some women in the bee yard at a place called the National Farm School in Pennsylvania.  The women here appeared nameless in the article however, only being referred to as the 'beekeeper's wife', a 'a clerk at the school', and the 'school librarian'.  I wasn't for sure if they were actual beekeepers themselves or not, or just sitting pretty by the beehives.

The apiary was situated in the orchard, and the records indicate that the average production was around 50 lbs of honey per hive (it's typically higher than that now, ranging from 50 - 100 lbs per hive).  Cost in 1937 for a pound of honey: .25 cents.  (It's anywhere from $2 - $8 per lb now.)

Speaking of prices, we stopped at a local fast food place recently for a strawberry-lemonade.  Not only was I shocked at the price, but also the calories in it.  A quick scouring of the internet showed me, once again, that it's hard to find good recipes--especially drinks-- with honey, so here is my adaptation:

Honey Strawberry Lemonade

5 or 6 fresh or frozen strawberries (clean and hull fresh strawberries)

1/4 to 1/2 c honey (more or less to your own liking)

1 small can frozen lemonade concentrate, made according to directions (you will only use about 1/2 of this in the recipe)

Ice cubes 

In blender, process strawberries with honey until pureed. If using frozen, no need to thaw first. Add lemonade and blend.  Use a few ice cubes if using fresh strawberries and it's not "slushy" enough for you or you can add the frozen lemonade straight into the blender without making according to directions first.   Substitute limeade concentrate for lemonade for a twist. Can use maple syrup or stevia in place of honey (but why would you want to do that?) 

Honey Strawberry Tea Cooler (Adapted from the National Honey Board)

1 pint strawberries

1/2 c honey

1 can frozen orange juice

2 cups brewed green tea

Process strawberries and honey in blender.  Add juice and stir into tea.  Serve over ice.