Several Extension clients have mentioned the unusually large number of blooming trees and plants around the county.  I am not sure if that is a sure sign of an early spring, but I do believe it has stimulated some earlier-than-normal calls about bees.

Fortunately, the bee calls received to this point have not included problems with swarms. They have, however, been about acquiring hives, beginning a new beekeeping hobby, follow-ups on the status of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture’s financial assistance for establishment of bee hives and even a question about honey for people with diabetes.

For anyone wanting to get into beekeeping — either for a business or for a hobby — I would suggest checking into the vast resources available through the Mississippi Bee Keepers Association. They have a great Web site — www.mdac.state.ms.us/organizations/mshoneybee/Index.html.

In fact, I was even able to pass along some important information to beekeeping want-to-bees — pun intended — based on some information I retrieved from their Web site.

Evidently, the news of colony collapse disorder in many hives last year, as well as the importance of bees pollinating nearly two-thirds of the fruits, nuts and vegetables we consume, have also got some individuals wondering if they can help out in some way by starting hives.

Last fall, the Mississippi Department of Agriculture set aside some funds to provide assistance to individuals purchasing new hives. To date, requests have exceeded available funds by approximately 50 percent. Nonetheless, the department is still taking applications for assistance and hopes to secure additional funds.

A very basic beekeeping workshop for beginners and newcomers is scheduled for March 4 at the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Museum in Jackson. Wayne Scott — probably one of the newest beekeepers in Warren County — has attended workshops such as this one and often reminds me how beneficial they are.

Now, on to some facts about honey for diabetic patients, as honey is actually permitted in their diets. Did you know a tablespoon of honey consists of nearly the same carbohydrate content as a cupful of quartered raw apple, and that consuming honey will produce a significantly lower blood sugar response than an equivalent amount of sugar or other glucose rich starches?

According to Dr. David Baer, from the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center, “Experimental evidence suggests that consumption of honey compared to other sweeteners might improve blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity.” In fact, the more advanced one’s glucose intolerance or, in other words, the worse their diabetes, the greater the positive impact on blood sugar levels from ingesting honey. 

How much honey is enough? Baer suggests three to five tablespoons a day. Honey contains about 60 calories per tablespoon.

“The 180 to 300 calories a day provided from honey is sufficient,” says Baer.

Honey is indeed the sweetener of choice for diabetics.

John C. Coccaro is county Extension director. Write to him at 1100-C Grove St., Vicksburg, MS 39180 or call 601-636-5442. E-mail him at jcoccaro@ext.msstate.edu