Fondant & VBA Meeting

I usually get my pollen sub on in late March or early April.

Sounds like a plan. Thanks for the info. Peter

I would think your plan a waste of the pollen. Why not buy some dry pollen sub like bee pro from Mann Lake, mix the pollen in and make it into patties.

Hi, I have a follow up question concerning fondant. I have a block of fondant that I purchased at Green Mountain Marketplace. I also have a pound of bee pollen that I purchased at Better Bee a while back. As spring gets closer would it make sense to sprinkle some of the pollen on the fondant when added to the hves ???? I know it is not a good time to do it right now, do not want to get the Queen laying prematurely , but maybe in two or three weeks. (if the temperature ever rises enought to open the hives and add fondant.). The pollen has been irradiated so I wonder of that will have any bearing also? Thanks and keep warm !!!!!! Peter .

Now, how to cut it. I use a flat shovel.

So we went over to Whitehall, NY and bought some fondant for emergency stores........I was glad to find it for $30.82 instead of the $105 plus 50 lb shipping charges from Brushy Mtn.

If you don't know about GMFS, their retail store in Whitehall, NY is called Green Mountain Marketplace and is open to the public. They sell commercial size packaged restaurant goods either bought directly from the store or via their commercial delivery route. Their website is http://www.gmfservice.com Good grocery specials, too if you can buy in bulk.

I was glad to see the Golden Barrel fondant block listed only 3 ingredients: Cane Sugar, Corn Syrup, and Water. ...no corn starch which I'd read somewhere was unhealthy for bees. I'm thinking it was a 90/10 blend so very similar to what I'd have made at the farm...... and a heck of a lot easier. Thanks to Mike for the original info!

I know GMFS, we go over to their store (open to anyone by the way) over in Whitehall, NY....great place.

I was thinking That I had read somewhere that bakery fondant is different.......something about corn starch or some other ingredient that was not good for bees?

Also, Mike......I'm hoping someone is taking a video of the VBA presentations today for You Tube?

We too are disappointed that we will not be attending the VBA meeting today and missing a full day of bee-talk. Safety takes precedence. Agreed, such is life in the mountains - we can't control the weather.

I buy the fondant I use. Can't see making it when I can buy 50 pound blocks.

Green Mountain Food Services 518-499-9101. They deliver to restaurants etc. They have a minimum order for delivery. You might talk to a local restaurant or bakery that deals with them to get your fondant delivered.