Skip to content

Shopping from Australia? Save Big with Duty-Free Shopping!

  • Honey
    • Shop All Honey
    • Manuka Honey
    • Floral Honey
    Manuka Honey

    Manuka Honey

    Shop All
    Floral Honey

    Floral Honey

    Shop All
  • Beauty
    • Shop All Beauty
    • Facial Care
    • Body Care
    • Bath/Spa
    • Baby Care
    • Beauty Gifts
    • Hair Care
    Facial Care

    Facial Care

    Shop All
    Body Care

    Body Care

    Shop All
  • Health
    • Shop All Health
    • Immune Support
    • Joint, Bone & Muscle
    • Beauty/Vitamins
    • Men's Health
    • Women's Health
    Beauty & Vitamins

    Beauty & Vitamins

    Shop All
    Immune Support

    Immune Support

    Shop All
  • Bees
    • Shop All Bees
    • Bee Propolis
    • Royal Jelly
    • Bee Pollen
    • Honey Comb
    Bee propolis - Aotea Wellness

    Bee Propolis

    Shop All
    Royal Jelly

    Royal Jelly

    Shop All
  • Symptoms
    • Shop All Symptoms
    • Eyes
    • Heart
    • Kidneys
    • Lungs
    • Teeth
    Eyes

    Eyes

    Shop All
    Teeth

    Teeth

    Shop All
  • Health Food
    • Shop All Food
    • Lozenges
    • Butter
    • Tea
    NZ Tea and Other Foods

    NZ Tea and Other Foods

    Shop All
    Lozenges & Candies

    Lozenges & Candies

    Shop All
  • Clearance
Log in
No account yet? Create Account
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
Aotea Wellness
  • Honey
    Shop By Category
    • Shop All Honey
    • Manuka Honey
    • Floral Honey
    Manuka Honey

    Manuka Honey

    Shop All
    Floral Honey

    Floral Honey

    Shop All
  • Beauty
    Shop By Category
    • Shop All Beauty
    • Facial Care
    • Body Care
    • Bath/Spa
    • Baby Care
    • Beauty Gifts
    • Hair Care
    Facial Care

    Facial Care

    Shop All
    Body Care

    Body Care

    Shop All
  • Health
    Shop By Category
    • Shop All Health
    • Immune Support
    • Joint, Bone & Muscle
    • Beauty/Vitamins
    • Men's Health
    • Women's Health
    Beauty & Vitamins

    Beauty & Vitamins

    Shop All
    Immune Support

    Immune Support

    Shop All
  • Bees
    Shop By Category
    • Shop All Bees
    • Bee Propolis
    • Royal Jelly
    • Bee Pollen
    • Honey Comb
    Bee propolis - Aotea Wellness

    Bee Propolis

    Shop All
    Royal Jelly

    Royal Jelly

    Shop All
  • Symptoms
    Shop By Category
    • Shop All Symptoms
    • Eyes
    • Heart
    • Kidneys
    • Lungs
    • Teeth
    Eyes

    Eyes

    Shop All
    Teeth

    Teeth

    Shop All
  • Health Food
    Shop By Category
    • Shop All Food
    • Lozenges
    • Butter
    • Tea
    NZ Tea and Other Foods

    NZ Tea and Other Foods

    Shop All
    Lozenges & Candies

    Lozenges & Candies

    Shop All
  • Clearance
Search

Search

Beauty - Aotea Wellness

Beauty

Shop All
Account
Log in Create Account
Cart
00 items
Home
Blog On Wellbeing
Why New Zealand Royal Jelly Is Food Fit For The Queen - And You!

Why New Zealand Royal Jelly Is Food Fit For The Queen - And You!

This week we are chatting with Chris on the importance of the queen bee in a hive and New Zealand royal jelly; the nutritious food fed to the queen bee...

Why New Zealand Royal Jelly Is Food Fit For The Queen - And You! - Aotea Wellness
A Sweet Experience is our blog series sharing our time with Chris, our bee keeper in the beautiful and remote, Bay of Islands. We chat with him on his experiences of living up here with his marae community and caring for his bees. It's a never ending job that yields some of the finest Manuka Honey in the world - from hive to shelf this is a sweet experience!

 

This week we are chatting with Chris on the importance of the queen bee in a hive and New Zealand royal jelly; the nutritious food fed to the queen bee now turned popular supplement. We accompanied him to one of his apiaries (area with hives) where he talked us through one of his hives and showed us an example of a queen cell - where the queen bee develops and royal jelly is stored.

How Important is the Queen Bee?

As the queen bee is the only bee who lays eggs (upto 1,500 eggs per day), she plays a crucial role within the hive. If a hive has lost their queen, or believes they’ve lost their queen, they will be in disarray, becoming agitated and may swarm to set up a new colony. The worker bees will have to find a new queen as the colony will not survive without one and without her presence, an aggitated and aggressive hive is created.

"You can tell the happiness of a hive by how it sounds when you visit it. A happy hive is a quiet hive! A hive with no queen will hum so much louder than normal"

Queen bees will develop in a distinct, vertically hanging ‘queen cell’ - watch the video below too see what it looks like!

What is Royal Jelly?

Larvae inside queen cells are specifically fed a nutritious substance called royal jelly. This makes the bee develop into a queen bee (without it, the larvae would grow into a regular worker bee). The queen bee is different to the worker bees in a few important aspects; lifespan, size, morphology and role in the hive. She lives longer than any of the other bees in the colony (5 years compared to 6-8 weeks); an astounding 40 times longer than the worker bee!  She is almost twice the size and doesn't have the pollen collecting attributes on her legs as she doesn't leave the hive like worker bees do. 

Royal jelly is mainly made up of water, protein, sugars, and lipids. The protein, royalactin, is suggested to be the active ingredient in royal jelly responsible for the development of a queen bee.  Royal Jelly is the exclusive natural source of 10H2DA (10-Hydroxy-decenoic acid) which is suggested to have a wide range of benefits including supporting hormonal balance and increasing collagen production. 

"When finding it in the hive it appears quite milky and creamy, I've actually tasted it, its like a weak yoghurt, I wouldn't say it's delicious!"

How is Royal Jelly Made?

It's made inside the hive by the worker bees. As it was Autumn when we were with Chris and his hives, there wasn't much to see and harvest, but during Summer when more queen cells are produced, that is when you can find it. The queen cells are full royal jelly!

What Health Benefits may Royal Jelly have?

The use and benefits of royal jelly has a history that dates back to the ancient Egyptians, who would use it on their skin to keep it glowing. It has long been used as a supplement for a wide range of concerns including supporting one's reproductive health, hormonal balance, energy levels, cardiovascular health and immune system. It is also used in cosmetics and skincare due to its suggested skin-serving properties and touted anti-ageing benefits through increasing collagen production!

Research has been undertaken to understand it if has any potential in cancer treatment and easing the harmful effects of chemotherapy.

 

Enjoy a Special Offer on New Zealand Royal Jelly!

We offer both supplements and cosmetics utilising the nourishing benefits of royal jelly. 

We are currently offering a special on our best selling royal jelly supplement -  Avoca Royal Jelly 1000mg soft gel capsules -

Buy 5 get 1 Free

Made in New Zealand and using New Zealand royal jelly, it is a pure, high-quality source offering great value. 

Royal Jelly Capsules 1000mg

 

Try adding Royal Jelly to your anti-ageing skincare regime with our exclusive product

Avoca's Eye Firming Gel utilises the nourishing properties of royal jelly and marine collagen in a lightweight eye gel. Its lightweight formula  maximises absorption and cucumber extract helps calm puffy eyes. Made in New Zealand using New Zealand ingredients. 

Avoca Eye Firming Gel - Marine Collagen and Royal Jelly anti-ageing skincare

Stay tuned for more Sweet Experiences with Chris. 

We understand people are currently looking for ways to support their health - please reach out to us if we can help you in anyway. We have an exceptionally knowledgable team that can assist you in choosing products right for you.

 Take Care,

The Aotea Team.

Other Articles

How to Use Manuka Honey As a Natural Burn Balm - Aotea Wellness

How to Use Manuka Honey As a Natural Burn Balm

September 30, 2021 Haruna Murakami
Why Manuka Honey - Aotea Wellness

Why Manuka Honey

June 04, 2021 Ivy Zhang
New Zealand: A country that you could trust for food safety - Aotea Wellness

New Zealand: A country that you could trust for food safety

June 04, 2021 Ivy Zhang
An interview with Avoca beekeeper Chris Reti in Northland, New Zealand - Aotea Wellness

An interview with Matauwhi's beekeeper Chris Reti in Northland, New Zealand

April 22, 2021 Ivy Zhang
Which Manuka Honey Is Best? UMF, MGO, K+ and Raw Honey Explained - Aotea Wellness

Which Manuka Honey Is Best? UMF, MGO, K+ and Raw Honey Explained

April 22, 2021 Ivy Zhang
Simple Ways To Improve Your Health With Bee Propolis - Aotea Wellness

Simple Ways To Improve Your Health With Bee Propolis

April 22, 2021 Haruna Murakami
About Us
  • What is Aotea Wellness
  • The Meaning of Aotea
  • The Aotea Gifts Story
  • Sponsorships
About Us
  • What is Aotea Wellness
  • The Meaning of Aotea
  • The Aotea Gifts Story
  • Sponsorships
Customer Service
  • Making a Payment
  • Shipping & Fulfillment
  • Exchange, Returns and Refunds
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy
Customer Service
  • Making a Payment
  • Shipping & Fulfillment
  • Exchange, Returns and Refunds
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy
Contact Us

Message Us

info@aoteanz.com

+64 9 379 5010

Our Address

Contact Us

Message Us

info@aoteanz.com

+64 9 379 5010

Our Address

FAQs
  • Honey
  • Health
  • Blogs
FAQs
  • Honey
  • Health
  • Blogs

You may be required to pay import duties and taxes when your parcel reaches your country. These and any additional charges for customs clearance are your responsibility.

Aotea Wellness
Copyright © 2024 Aotea New Zealand Online Limited all rights reserved. Powered by Shopify
  • Afghanistan (NZD $)
  • Åland Islands (NZD $)
  • Albania (NZD $)
  • Algeria (NZD $)
  • Andorra (NZD $)
  • Angola (NZD $)
  • Anguilla (NZD $)
  • Antigua & Barbuda (NZD $)
  • Argentina (NZD $)
  • Armenia (NZD $)
  • Aruba (NZD $)
  • Ascension Island (NZD $)
  • Australia (NZD $)
  • Austria (NZD $)
  • Azerbaijan (NZD $)
  • Bahamas (NZD $)
  • Bahrain (NZD $)
  • Bangladesh (NZD $)
  • Barbados (NZD $)
  • Belarus (NZD $)
  • Belgium (NZD $)
  • Belize (NZD $)
  • Benin (NZD $)
  • Bermuda (NZD $)
  • Bhutan (NZD $)
  • Bolivia (NZD $)
  • Bosnia & Herzegovina (NZD $)
  • Botswana (NZD $)
  • Brazil (NZD $)
  • British Indian Ocean Territory (NZD $)
  • British Virgin Islands (NZD $)
  • Brunei (NZD $)
  • Bulgaria (NZD $)
  • Burkina Faso (NZD $)
  • Burundi (NZD $)
  • Cambodia (NZD $)
  • Cameroon (NZD $)
  • Canada (NZD $)
  • Cape Verde (NZD $)
  • Caribbean Netherlands (NZD $)
  • Cayman Islands (NZD $)
  • Central African Republic (NZD $)
  • Chad (NZD $)
  • Chile (NZD $)
  • China (NZD $)
  • Christmas Island (NZD $)
  • Cocos (Keeling) Islands (NZD $)
  • Colombia (NZD $)
  • Comoros (NZD $)
  • Congo - Brazzaville (NZD $)
  • Congo - Kinshasa (NZD $)
  • Cook Islands (NZD $)
  • Costa Rica (NZD $)
  • Côte d’Ivoire (NZD $)
  • Croatia (NZD $)
  • Curaçao (NZD $)
  • Cyprus (NZD $)
  • Czechia (NZD $)
  • Denmark (NZD $)
  • Djibouti (NZD $)
  • Dominica (NZD $)
  • Dominican Republic (NZD $)
  • Ecuador (NZD $)
  • Egypt (NZD $)
  • El Salvador (NZD $)
  • Equatorial Guinea (NZD $)
  • Eritrea (NZD $)
  • Estonia (NZD $)
  • Eswatini (NZD $)
  • Ethiopia (NZD $)
  • Falkland Islands (NZD $)
  • Faroe Islands (NZD $)
  • Fiji (NZD $)
  • Finland (NZD $)
  • France (NZD $)
  • French Guiana (NZD $)
  • French Polynesia (NZD $)
  • French Southern Territories (NZD $)
  • Gabon (NZD $)
  • Gambia (NZD $)
  • Georgia (NZD $)
  • Germany (NZD $)
  • Ghana (NZD $)
  • Gibraltar (NZD $)
  • Greece (NZD $)
  • Greenland (NZD $)
  • Grenada (NZD $)
  • Guadeloupe (NZD $)
  • Guatemala (NZD $)
  • Guernsey (NZD $)
  • Guinea (NZD $)
  • Guinea-Bissau (NZD $)
  • Guyana (NZD $)
  • Haiti (NZD $)
  • Honduras (NZD $)
  • Hong Kong SAR (NZD $)
  • Hungary (NZD $)
  • Iceland (NZD $)
  • India (NZD $)
  • Indonesia (NZD $)
  • Iraq (NZD $)
  • Ireland (NZD $)
  • Isle of Man (NZD $)
  • Israel (NZD $)
  • Italy (NZD $)
  • Jamaica (NZD $)
  • Japan (NZD $)
  • Jersey (NZD $)
  • Jordan (NZD $)
  • Kazakhstan (NZD $)
  • Kenya (NZD $)
  • Kiribati (NZD $)
  • Kosovo (NZD $)
  • Kuwait (NZD $)
  • Kyrgyzstan (NZD $)
  • Laos (NZD $)
  • Latvia (NZD $)
  • Lebanon (NZD $)
  • Lesotho (NZD $)
  • Liberia (NZD $)
  • Libya (NZD $)
  • Liechtenstein (NZD $)
  • Lithuania (NZD $)
  • Luxembourg (NZD $)
  • Macao SAR (NZD $)
  • Madagascar (NZD $)
  • Malawi (NZD $)
  • Malaysia (NZD $)
  • Maldives (NZD $)
  • Mali (NZD $)
  • Malta (NZD $)
  • Martinique (NZD $)
  • Mauritania (NZD $)
  • Mauritius (NZD $)
  • Mayotte (NZD $)
  • Mexico (NZD $)
  • Moldova (NZD $)
  • Monaco (NZD $)
  • Mongolia (NZD $)
  • Montenegro (NZD $)
  • Montserrat (NZD $)
  • Morocco (NZD $)
  • Mozambique (NZD $)
  • Myanmar (Burma) (NZD $)
  • Namibia (NZD $)
  • Nauru (NZD $)
  • Nepal (NZD $)
  • Netherlands (NZD $)
  • New Caledonia (NZD $)
  • New Zealand (NZD $)
  • Nicaragua (NZD $)
  • Niger (NZD $)
  • Nigeria (NZD $)
  • Niue (NZD $)
  • Norfolk Island (NZD $)
  • North Macedonia (NZD $)
  • Norway (NZD $)
  • Oman (NZD $)
  • Pakistan (NZD $)
  • Palestinian Territories (NZD $)
  • Panama (NZD $)
  • Papua New Guinea (NZD $)
  • Paraguay (NZD $)
  • Peru (NZD $)
  • Philippines (NZD $)
  • Pitcairn Islands (NZD $)
  • Poland (NZD $)
  • Portugal (NZD $)
  • Qatar (NZD $)
  • Réunion (NZD $)
  • Romania (NZD $)
  • Russia (NZD $)
  • Rwanda (NZD $)
  • Samoa (NZD $)
  • San Marino (NZD $)
  • São Tomé & Príncipe (NZD $)
  • Saudi Arabia (NZD $)
  • Senegal (NZD $)
  • Serbia (NZD $)
  • Seychelles (NZD $)
  • Sierra Leone (NZD $)
  • Singapore (NZD $)
  • Sint Maarten (NZD $)
  • Slovakia (NZD $)
  • Slovenia (NZD $)
  • Solomon Islands (NZD $)
  • Somalia (NZD $)
  • South Africa (NZD $)
  • South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands (NZD $)
  • South Korea (NZD $)
  • South Sudan (NZD $)
  • Spain (NZD $)
  • Sri Lanka (NZD $)
  • St. Barthélemy (NZD $)
  • St. Helena (NZD $)
  • St. Kitts & Nevis (NZD $)
  • St. Lucia (NZD $)
  • St. Martin (NZD $)
  • St. Pierre & Miquelon (NZD $)
  • St. Vincent & Grenadines (NZD $)
  • Sudan (NZD $)
  • Suriname (NZD $)
  • Svalbard & Jan Mayen (NZD $)
  • Sweden (NZD $)
  • Switzerland (NZD $)
  • Taiwan (NZD $)
  • Tajikistan (NZD $)
  • Tanzania (NZD $)
  • Thailand (NZD $)
  • Timor-Leste (NZD $)
  • Togo (NZD $)
  • Tokelau (NZD $)
  • Tonga (NZD $)
  • Trinidad & Tobago (NZD $)
  • Tristan da Cunha (NZD $)
  • Tunisia (NZD $)
  • Türkiye (NZD $)
  • Turkmenistan (NZD $)
  • Turks & Caicos Islands (NZD $)
  • Tuvalu (NZD $)
  • U.S. Outlying Islands (NZD $)
  • Uganda (NZD $)
  • Ukraine (NZD $)
  • United Arab Emirates (NZD $)
  • United Kingdom (NZD $)
  • United States (NZD $)
  • Uruguay (NZD $)
  • Uzbekistan (NZD $)
  • Vanuatu (NZD $)
  • Vatican City (NZD $)
  • Venezuela (NZD $)
  • Vietnam (NZD $)
  • Wallis & Futuna (NZD $)
  • Western Sahara (NZD $)
  • Yemen (NZD $)
  • Zambia (NZD $)
  • Zimbabwe (NZD $)
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
Subscribe to Our Newsletter For Exclusive Deals & News!
  • Refund policy
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms of service
  • Shipping policy

Cart

0 items

Your Cart is Empty

Loading...

Shop Now
  • Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.