Bee pollen is one of the most colourful things a hive produces: small golden, orange and brown granules with a floral, slightly sweet taste. If you have seen it on smoothie bowls in Dubai cafes and wondered what it is, this guide explains the basics.
What is bee pollen?
Flowers make pollen. As forager bees visit flowers, pollen sticks to their bodies. The bees brush it into small pellets, mixing it with a little nectar, and carry it back to the hive on their back legs. Beekeepers collect some of these pellets with a gentle trap at the hive entrance, then clean and dry them.
Because the pellets come from many different flowers, each spoonful has a mix of colours. The colour depends on the plants the bees visited.
What does bee pollen taste like?
Bee pollen tastes floral and lightly sweet, with a slightly earthy finish. The texture is soft and crumbly: the granules crunch a little, then melt. Taste a few granules on their own first. Flavour varies from batch to batch, just like honey.
How to use bee pollen
- On smoothies and smoothie bowls: sprinkle a spoonful on top for colour and crunch.
- With yoghurt or labneh: add bee pollen and a drizzle of raw honey.
- On granola and cereal: mix it in just before eating. Try our homemade granola recipe.
- With honey or nut butter: stir into a spoon of honey or almond butter for toast.
- In salad dressings: whisk a little into a honey mustard dressing.
- As a garnish: scatter over desserts and baked goods.
Bee pollen is best eaten raw, so add it after cooking rather than baking it at high heat.
How much to start with
Start with a few granules, then a small pinch, and increase slowly to a teaspoon if you enjoy it. If you have a pollen or bee allergy, asthma, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor before trying bee pollen.
How to store bee pollen
Keep bee pollen in a closed jar in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and moisture. Once opened, many people keep it in the fridge to keep it fresh. Always use a dry spoon.
What to look for when buying bee pollen in the UAE
- A named origin: where was the pollen collected?
- One ingredient: the label should say bee pollen only.
- Dry, separate granules: clumping can be a sign of moisture.
- A glass jar with a good seal.
The Balqees Bee Pollen 125g comes in a glass jar and is raw and unprocessed. It pairs well with any raw honey from the Balqees bestsellers.
Frequently asked questions
Is bee pollen the same as royal jelly?
No. Bee pollen is pollen collected by bees from flowers. Royal jelly is a creamy substance made by young worker bees to feed the queen. Read our royal jelly guide.
Can I cook with bee pollen?
You can, but it is best added after cooking. Sprinkle it on top of finished dishes.
Why are the granules different colours?
Each colour comes from a different type of flower the bees visited.
Is bee pollen vegan?
No. Bee pollen is collected by bees and gathered from the hive, so it is an animal product.
Add colour and crunch to breakfast with Balqees Bee Pollen, delivered across the UAE.
