August 14, 2011 - Honey Spas

– Russia

No, this is NOT the day to fill up your spa with honey! That would be costly and very sticky!

Traditionally, this is the day on which Russian people gather honey and have it blessed in the church, and then (of course) enjoy eating the honey!

Why this day? The story goes that on August 14, swallows fly away for the winter. Vacant swallow nests resemble honeycombs, and so this date also marks the beginning of the honey harvest.

It seems to me quite early to be talking about the end of summer, the beginning of fall, and the harvest season. Here in Southern California, it will probably be warm-to-hot until mid-October. However, much of Russia is at relatively high latitudes and far inland, away from the ocean's temperature-moderating effect.

At any rate, I love a good excuse to eat honey! Here and here are some recipe websites.

• Learn how bees make honey with this simple video. 

• Learn how we harvest the bees' honey with another short video.