St. Joseph Abbey near Covington selling 'Ab Bee' honey
Monasticism and beekeeping have a long history together. In medieval times, abbeys and monasteries were hotbeds of beekeeping, since beeswax was highly valued in making candles for religious services.
It is perhaps no surprise then that on the shelves of the St. Joseph Abbey Seminary College gift shop are containers of St. Joseph "Ab Bee" pure honey. The 16-once plastic bottles contain unfiltered honey that is harvested at the western St. Tammany Parish monastery by beekeeper Jeff Horchoff.
So in addition to its better-known commodity - caskets – the abbey may soon make a name for itself as a source of honey, which it began selling in August. The timing might be right, as scientists and nutritionists have been touting possible health benefits and medicinal uses of the sweet, natural substance.
After working to develop eight active hives on and around the abbey property, Horchoff was able to harvest about 30 gallons of honey this year. About 180 bottles were put up for sale for $7 in the gift shop, with proceeds going to the abbey.
For Horchoff, a retired postal worker who volunteers in the abbey's woodworking operation in addition to his beekeeping duties, the bees provide both a worthwhile hobby and a spiritual experience.
"They're really mind-blowing, fascinating creatures," said Horchoff, an Abita Springs resident. "I'm drawn to it (beekeeping) by the order of the colony, the democracy of the hive. I lose myself in the wonders of God's creation."
Horchoff has been involved in beekeeping since the 1980s. About three years ago, two beehives were stolen from his home. Shortly thereafter, he seized an opportunity to move his beekeeping operation to the abbey, where he had been working as a volunteer.
Starting and maintaining beehives can be hard, challenging work. Beetles and mites, the natural enemies of bees, must be constantly fought off. And, despite best efforts, hives can falter and die off. Not to mention the potential of being stung while tending to hives that contain hundreds of thousand of swarming bees.
"Beekeeping is not for the faint of heart," Horchoff said. "It involves a lot of ups and downs."
For now, the abbey's beekeeping operation appears to be running well. Horchoff hopes to harvest another 10 gallons of honey in October. For now, the honey is being sold only at the abbey gift shop.
But a push is on to expand the effort by adding another 50 hives. To help in that effort, the abbey is offering sponsorships to the public. Proceeds will go toward hive construction and maintenance and the purchase of hone processing equipment.
For a $300 annual sponsorship, an individual or company can have its name on the back of the honey containers. For $100, the sponsor's names will be placed on a hive, and for $500, a hive will be built in honor of the sponsor.
It is perhaps no surprise then that on the shelves of the St. Joseph Abbey Seminary College gift shop are containers of St. Joseph "Ab Bee" pure honey. The 16-once plastic bottles contain unfiltered honey that is harvested at the western St. Tammany Parish monastery by beekeeper Jeff Horchoff.
So in addition to its better-known commodity - caskets – the abbey may soon make a name for itself as a source of honey, which it began selling in August. The timing might be right, as scientists and nutritionists have been touting possible health benefits and medicinal uses of the sweet, natural substance.
After working to develop eight active hives on and around the abbey property, Horchoff was able to harvest about 30 gallons of honey this year. About 180 bottles were put up for sale for $7 in the gift shop, with proceeds going to the abbey.
For Horchoff, a retired postal worker who volunteers in the abbey's woodworking operation in addition to his beekeeping duties, the bees provide both a worthwhile hobby and a spiritual experience.
"They're really mind-blowing, fascinating creatures," said Horchoff, an Abita Springs resident. "I'm drawn to it (beekeeping) by the order of the colony, the democracy of the hive. I lose myself in the wonders of God's creation."
Horchoff has been involved in beekeeping since the 1980s. About three years ago, two beehives were stolen from his home. Shortly thereafter, he seized an opportunity to move his beekeeping operation to the abbey, where he had been working as a volunteer.
Starting and maintaining beehives can be hard, challenging work. Beetles and mites, the natural enemies of bees, must be constantly fought off. And, despite best efforts, hives can falter and die off. Not to mention the potential of being stung while tending to hives that contain hundreds of thousand of swarming bees.
"Beekeeping is not for the faint of heart," Horchoff said. "It involves a lot of ups and downs."
For now, the abbey's beekeeping operation appears to be running well. Horchoff hopes to harvest another 10 gallons of honey in October. For now, the honey is being sold only at the abbey gift shop.
But a push is on to expand the effort by adding another 50 hives. To help in that effort, the abbey is offering sponsorships to the public. Proceeds will go toward hive construction and maintenance and the purchase of hone processing equipment.
For a $300 annual sponsorship, an individual or company can have its name on the back of the honey containers. For $100, the sponsor's names will be placed on a hive, and for $500, a hive will be built in honor of the sponsor.
I’d like to volunteer so I can learn more about beekeeping. I’ve had hives the last few years, getting new ones in a few weeks.
ReplyDeleteTina