Ann Delisi and Chef James Rigato talk bees with Brad Gladstone of Urban Bee LLC.
In Episode 2 of “Essential Cooking,” hostsAnn Delisi and Chef James Rigato talk with Brad Gladstone of Urban Bee LLC about everything from how bees survive the winter to their ability to recognize faces and protect their hives from invaders.
“We have a lot of pollinating to do, so we want more bees and more beehives in Southeast Michigan.” — Chef James Rigato
“Biodynamic beekeping is bee-centric, whereas commercial beekeeping is beekeeper-centric,” says Brad Gladstone. “Biodynamics focuses on propping up the natural vitality of the bees, whereas commercial beekeepers usually have an interest in selling honey. So their management is going to be focused on how to get more honey production, which is not necessarily in the best interest of the bees.”
A few fun facts about bees from guest Brad Gladstone:
90% of our food supply relies on a pollinator
Every third mouthful of food we take is dependent on the honeybee
There are 20,000 species of bees worldwide, 4,000 species are native to North America
Honeybees are not native to North America
Habitat loss and increased use of pesticides threaten the habit and forage for pollinators
The bees from one hive pollinate within a 3-mile radius
Want to support a bee-friendly habitat? Plant some flowering perennial plants like lavender or milkweed and say hello to the bees.
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Ann Delisi hosts Essential Music, the Essential Conversations podcast series and the Essential Cooking broadcast and podcast. Born and raised in the Motor City, Ann is a broadcaster, interviewer, producer, music host, storyteller and proud Detroiter.
