Pollen, when fermented, is referred to as what?

When pollen is fermented, it becomes known as bee bread. This process occurs when bees mix pollen with nectar and enzymes, allowing it to ferment and become a more nutritious food source. Bee bread is a vital component of a honeybee colony's diet, providing essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals that help sustain the health and productivity of the hive.

In contrast, bee honey is the sweet substance made by bees from the nectar of flowers, while royal jelly is a highly nutritious secretion used to feed queen larvae, which is different from bee bread. Pollen cake typically refers to a supplementary feed that beekeepers might provide to bees, often in a compressed form, but it does not represent the natural fermentation process of pollen. The unique fermentation process that transforms pollen into bee bread is what distinguishes it as a key food source for honeybees, making it a crucial element in their nutrition and hive health.