Can't think of a gift to buy for the beekeepers, food enthusiasts, naturalists, environmental educators, and honey and mead lovers in your life?
It gets a little sticky, doesn't it? Sometimes really sticky.
To the rescue...a couple of Santa's helpers...
The California Master Beekeeper Program (CAMBP), based at UC Davis, and The HIVE Tasting Room and Kitchen in Woodland, have joined forces to present two courses at The HIVE.
The first is The Science of Honey Tasting from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Saturday, Jan. 24 and the second is The Science of Mead Tasting, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 25. These "buzzworthy" courses are really a celebration of bees, beekeeping, and the sensory sciences.
In her lifetime, a worker bee can produce about 1/12th of a teaspoon of honey. In the peak of summer, an average healthy hive can contain some 60,000 bees. A hive may produce 60 pounds of honey per year--some even 100 pounds.
The particulars...
You can enroll in either course individually or attend both at a discounted rate. CAMBP members earn a certificate of completion that also fulfills the Journey-level honey tasting requirement.
"For anyone who has ever wondered why honey tastes the way it does, or how the world’s oldest fermented beverage continues to surprise modern palates, these classes offer rare, hands-on access to scientific, cultural, and sensory expertise," the organizers said. "They are also a unique holiday gift for the bee and food lovers on your list."
Day 1: The Science of Honey Tasting
Saturday, Jan. 24: • 9 a.m.–1 p.m. • $200
Registration: https://cambp.ucdavis.edu/classes/class-schedule/science-honey-tasting
The honey instructors will include bee scientist Elina Lastro Niño, UC Cooperative Extension Professor of Apiculture; member of UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology faculty, and director of CAMBP.
Day 2: The Science of Mead Tasting
Sunday, Jan. 25 • 9 a.m.–3 p.m. • $200
Registration: https://cambp.ucdavis.edu/classes/class-schedule/science-mead-tasting
The mead instructors include Amina Harris, "Queen Bee" of The HIVE and the retired founding director of the UC Davis Honey and Pollination Center.
Participants may register for either class individually for $200 each, or bundle both days for $350 (a $50 savings).
Bundle link:
https://cambp.ucdavis.edu/classes/class-schedule/bundle-science-honey-tasting-and-science-mead-tasting
Not only will participants walk away with expanded knowledge and refined tasting skills, but their enrollment helps support science-based honey bee health research and education through CAMBP. The statewide organization provides science-based training for beekeepers to manage colonies and contribute to pollinator stewardship.
A Celebration of Bees, Flavor, and Learning
This CAMBP–HIVE collaboration bridges science, sensory exploration, and community engagement. Whether you’re fascinated by honey’s botanical fingerprints or eager to understand the microbiology behind fermentation, these courses "offer an unforgettable, hands-on experience with some of the field’s leading experts," the organizers said.
Space is limited for both classes. Early registration is encouraged. For more information or to enroll:
https://cambp.ucdavis.edu/classes/class-schedule
Cover image: A frame of honeycomb. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)