Fantozzi Honey Co. — Raw Bee Pollen (6 oz)

The hive's own multivitamin.

Bee pollen is the pollen bees gather from flowers, pack into granules and carry home to feed the colony. It is one of the most complete foods in nature: roughly a quarter protein, with all the essential amino acids, plus B vitamins, minerals, enzymes and antioxidants. Traditionally taken for energy and stamina, and by allergy sufferers who want to build up slowly to the local pollen.

Fantozzi collects it raw from their own Central Valley hives, so it carries the pollen of the plants around here. The granules are slightly sweet, slightly floral, with a soft chew.

Who this is for

• You want a whole-food source of protein and B vitamins for morning energy
• You have seasonal allergies and want local pollen in small daily doses
• You make smoothies or acai bowls and want a topper that does more than look good
• You are an athlete looking for real-food recovery support

How to use

Start with half a teaspoon and work up to 1 to 2 teaspoons a day. Sprinkle on yogurt, oatmeal or smoothie bowls, or take a pinch straight. Keep the jar sealed and cool. 6 oz jar. If you have a bee sting or pollen allergy, start very small.

Thomas Fantozzi grew up on a family farm, started two hives in 2017 after a beekeeping class at Cal Poly, and now runs hundreds of hives out of Patterson, right here in the Central Valley.