The Field Guideby Moss & MarrowImkerij Mellinde
Imkerij Mellinde is a beekeeper in Maartensdijk with about 40 colonies, kept since 1976, which sells its own regional honey with nothing added, along with other bee products and a small bee museum.
The colonies are moved through the year to follow what is in flower: willow blossom in the osier beds in early spring, then orchards and soft fruit, then acacia and lime trees in midsummer and the heath in late summer, so each area gives its own honey. The hives stand at locations including Lage Vuursche, Groenekan, Maartensdijk, Utrecht, Tienhoven, Loosdrecht and Oldebroek. Besides the different honeys, the shop sells mead, honey cake, propolis, pollen, beeswax polish and candles.
You can buy at the beekeeping on the Koningin Julianalaan in Maartensdijk and at events listed in their agenda; their website gives no fixed opening hours.
The 40-square-metre museum and education room explains the life of the bee alongside the shop.