What is royal jelly?

Royal jelly is a highly nutritious secretion produced by worker bees that is specifically fed to queen larvae during their development. This unique substance is crucial for the growth and development of the queen bee, enabling her to grow larger and mature more rapidly compared to worker bees. The composition of royal jelly, which includes proteins, vitamins, and various bioactive compounds, supports the queen’s reproductive functions and contributes to her longevity.

While honey is a well-known product of bee activities and serves as their primary food source, it is not the same as royal jelly. Royal jelly is not a pesticide; rather, it serves a vital role in the hive's reproductive dynamics. Additionally, it is not a cleaning agent but rather a specialized nutrition source for the queen, distinguishing it from other products associated with the hive. Understanding royal jelly's specific role highlights the complexity and efficiency of bee colony structure and function.