Royal jelly
Royal jelly is a type of bee secretion that aids in the development of immature or young bees. It is secreted by the heads of young workers and used (amongst other substances) to feed the young until they develop to the desired rank. If a queen is desired, the hatchling will receive only royal jelly as its food source, in order that she will become sexually mature and have the fully developed ovaries needed to lay more eggs for the hive.
People collect royal jelly for a dietary supplement. It contains all of the B-complex vitamins, including a high concentration of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), and is the only natural source of pure acetylcholine. Royal jelly also contains minerals, enzymes, hormones, eighteen amino acids, antibacterial and antibiotic components, and vitamins A, C, D and E.
A device is fitted on to the entrance of the hive which scrapes the secretion off the bees as they enter.
This product must be combined with honey for preservation, as it spoils easily. It should be kept refrigerated and tightly sealed.
For some animal rights advocates and other groups such as vegans, the collection of royal jelly for human use is considered unethical.
Literature
The short story Royal Jelly by Roald Dahl was published in the February 1983 issue of The Twilight Zone Magazine.
In the extended Alien universe, Royal Jelly is a highly addictive substance secreted by a queen Xenomorph and highly coveted by the Weyland-Yutani corporation, who use it to produce performance-enhancing drugs.
In the animated series Futurama, the Slurm Queen secretes a concentrated Slurm called Royal Slurm to create a new Queen.
References
. ISBN 1-58333-077-1. {{cite book}}: Missing or empty |title= (help); Unknown parameter |Author= ignored (|author= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |Publisher= ignored (|publisher= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |Title= ignored (|title= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |Year= ignored (|year= suggested) (help)