How Royal Jelly Is Made by Bees

Royal jelly production is one of the most fascinating processes inside a hive. Understanding how bees make and store it gives you a deeper appreciation for every chilled jar.

The Role of Worker Bees in Producing Royal Jelly

Young worker bees, typically between five and fifteen days old, produce royal jelly in glands located on their heads. They consume large amounts of pollen and honey to fuel production, then secrete the jelly to feed larvae.

Why Bees Make Royal Jelly for the Queen

All larvae receive royal jelly for the first three days. After that, only larvae selected to become queens continue eating royal jelly. The exclusive diet triggers dramatic physiological changes, allowing the queen to develop larger ovaries, a longer lifespan, and the ability to lay thousands of eggs daily.

Harvesting Royal Jelly Sustainably

Responsible beekeepers harvest only when colonies are abundant and healthy. At NorCal Nectar, we carefully remove queen cells, extract royal jelly with sterile tools, and leave plenty behind so our bees thrive. We never freeze-dry or over-process the jelly, preserving its natural potency.

From Hive to Jar: NorCal Nectar's Process

Once harvested, royal jelly is immediately chilled, transported in cold storage, and jarred in small batches. Each jar is kept refrigerated from our apiary to your doorstep to protect enzymes, vitamins, and fatty acids.

Curious about other responsible beekeeping practices? Read How Beekeepers Harvest Honey Responsibly for more insight into our sustainable approach.

Call to Action

Taste the result of careful craftsmanship. Shop Fresh Royal Jelly and add Raw Honeycomb to experience the hive's full bounty.