The whole act has changed little in 2,500 years. When we see a stack of white boxes, we are looking at a large, flourishing colony. They produce lots more nuts. Beekeepers love it because they can be independent. Beekeepers make their money leasing the hives for pollination and selling honey.
Some people even claim it helps their allergies.
Through the center of the garden, where classes are held in wisteria-shaded gazebos, we walk on toward the production shed. Their enzymes change the nectar, giving it a sort of trans-species je ne sais quoi . Once gathered, nectar has transmuted into honey. It has a very low moisture content of 17 percent, rendering it virtually incorruptible. Honey is prized for its longevity and has been found in edible condition in the tombs of the pharaohs.