Beekeeper Ricardo Sanchez with his grandson Marcos Romero. Courtesy/LAFM

LAFM News:

Q&A with Los Alamos Farmers Market Manager Cindy Talamantes and beekeeper Ricardo Sanchez of RZ’s Bees of San Juan Pueblo.

Talamantes: Ricardo when did you get started raising bees and why?

Ricardo S: I was introduced to beekeeping by my father-in-law, Robert (Bob) Hayes in 1980 and started keeping my own hives in Alcalde around 1987 since Bob would soon be physically unable to keep bees.

Talamantes: Did it start out a hobby or was it always intended to be a source of income?

Ricardo S: My interest started as a hobby since I already worked a full-time job in Los Alamos and operated a small farm. My beekeeping remains a hobby and helps supplement my retirement.

Talamantes: How many hives do you have and are all your hive at your house?

Ricardo S: I keep around 60 active hives. They are located in various yards primarily in the Alcalde area. About 20 hives are located within a few feet of our back porch.

Talamantes: Have you had any problems with your bees dying out or colony collapse?

Ricardo S: Not recently, I have learned to keep hives where vegetation is not sprayed and a good water source is available. I do not source out my hives for pollination after a few bad experiences.

Talamantes: Does anyone else in your family raise bees?

Ricardo S: My father-in-law continues to assist me and my brother-in-law is attempting to start some colonies in the Carlsbad/Artesia area. He needs a retirement project.

Talamantes: How long have you been selling your honey at the Los Alamos Farmers Market?

Ricardo S: I was invited to participate at the LAFM when the previous honey vender would not be returning around 2012 – the past three seasons.

Talamantes: Why is honey considered such a good food?

Ricardo S: Honey that is sold as raw contains the pollen, enzymes and other micronutrients that are usually filtered out or destroyed by heat when the honey is processed. Traditionally, honey is heated and filtered so that it will remain liquid much longer. Raw honey will crystalize due to the fact that it is unfiltered. Many people believe that raw honey contains additional health benefits over processed honey. Honey contains natural antioxidant properties that builds your immunity against sicknesses. Because of this, for centuries, honey has been used all over the world in different cultures as a natural cure for many ailments.

When properly stored, honey will not spoil: A pot of honey found in an ancient Egyptian tomb was proved to be as wholesome as fresh honey. However, honey will ferment if it is diluted by moisture from the atmosphere or by other liquids. Prevent fermentation by keeping honey containers tightly sealed before and between uses. Honey has been used in a large number of products for hair and skin care. Its natural antioxidant and anti-microbial properties support the skin’s ability to rejuvenate and refresh depleted skin. Honey is a great natural source of carbohydrates, which provide strength and energy to our bodies. It is known for its effectiveness in instantly boosting the performance, endurance and reduced muscle fatigue of athletes.

Talamantes: Your grandson Marcos come with you to the market. He is involved in 4-H what is his project and how does he support his projects?

Ricardo S: Marcos Romero earns extra money by making survival bracelets, key chains, crosses and lanyards out of 550 paracord. The earnings are used to purchase feed for his swine and boer (meat) goats.

Talamantes: How old is Marcos? In May he turned 12.

Talamantes: How long has he been involved in 4-H? Marcos has been a member of the Kountry Kids 4-H club (Rio Arriba County) since 2013, two years.

Talamantes: What does he raise? The past two years he raised and showed pigs. This year he will show pigs and goats.

Talamantes: What does he hope to get out of 4-H?

Ricardo S: According to Marcos, he hopes to gain a better knowledge of farm animals and is possibly considering becoming a large animal vet. He is making friends throughout the state by participating in 4-H retreats. He also is a member of the 4-H Rio Arriba County Council.