School Apiary Pollen 250g APIARY

This 250 g jar holds dried flower pollen sold under the Rucher de l'École label. Behind the brand are Virginie and William Gay, who describe themselves as shepherds of bees in the heart of the Morvan hills for two generations, with their bee farm at Saint-Léger-de-Fougeret in the Nièvre. The pollen comes as small round pellets, the way the bees carry them back to the hive, then dried. Each colour points to a different flower: through the glass you can see lemon yellow, orange, ochre, olive green and brown grains.

The flavour is mild, floral and slightly green, with a crunchy texture that softens once it meets moisture. The beekeepers suggest one to two tablespoons in the morning, stirred into a fruit juice or a yoghurt. In the kitchen, scatter it at the last moment over fromage blanc, granola, a smoothie bowl or a citrus salad. Pastry cooks also use it as a decoration, a few grains on a panna cotta, a honey tart or a yellow fruit entremets, where the colours stand out against a pale background.

The glass jar has a screw lid to close after each use. You will also find it on the shelves of our shop, 58 rue Tiquetonne, Paris.