Significance and the situation of the bees
According to estimates, 20,000 species of bees exist worldwide, 560 of which are in Germany.
The bees play a pivotal role in pollination and the subsequent survival of nature. It is estimated that 80% of domestic plants are totally dependent on the bees to live and grow. Trying to monetise the economic value of pollination through bees results in figures 10 to 15 times the value of the honey production.For Germany this means about EUR 2 billion per year.
Unfortunately, the number of bee colonies is constantly decreasing. The most dangerous natural enemy is the Varroa destructor mite. Agricultural pesticides are an additional harm to bees, however restrictions regarding their use have been imposed and nowadays they are only allowed when they have been tested for a non-harming effect on bees. Also, structural alterations in rural regions as well as the agricultural industrialisation threaten domestic bee colonies.
Bees in the City
Recently the emphasis on “Urban Beekeeping” has become more prevalent i.e. the practice of keeping bee colonies in the city.
With an extensive variety of flowers in cities, the resulting honey often has a fuller and more aromatic flavour.The slightly warmer climate in cities is also more favourable to bees who prefer higher temperature, whilst the abundance and variety of flowers due to differentparks,balconies and gardens allows fora very aromatic tasting honey.
Fearing urban contaminants in city bees’ honey is unnecessary: firstly, plants in the city are usually less exposed to chemical fertilizers than plants in rural areas. Secondly, the bees themselves work like a filter which automatically eliminates possible polluted residues from traffic and chimneys. A nice circular effect: thanks to the regular pollination, plants in the cities grow better and thus provide more nourishment to the bees.
Jumeirah Frankfurt and its Skyline Bees
Jumeirah Frankfurt’s rooftop is home to more than 60,000 bees which can be found towering 28 floors above the city.The residentbeekeeper visits the property on average once a week in spring and summer to collect honey from the honeycomb.
Every day the bees fly out to visit flowers in places within their three kilometre flight radius including the Palmengarten botanical garden, the main river embankment, parks and balconies. These busy little helpers produce Jumeirah Frankfurt’s very own Skyline Honey, which can be tasted directly from the honeycomb served during breakfast at theMax on Onerestaurant.
AttheTalise Spa, you can relax during the unique Skyline Honey Treatment, a fruity body scrub mixed with Skyline Honey. It is even possible to enjoy a special honey cocktail attheEmber Bar & Loungeor purchase a glass of Skyline Honey to take home as a souvenir, together with Jumeirah Frankfurt’s plush mascot “Jumbee”, the Jumeirah bee.
Jumeirah Frankfurt hotel
Thurn-und-Taxis-Platz 2
60313
Frankfurt am Main
Germany
+49 (0)69 297 237 0