10 foods we’d really miss in a world without bees

Dayna McAlpine

Scottish-born writer and blogger Dayna freelances for a series of websites and publications in London

Have you ever wondered what would happen in a world without bees? Neither had I until a shocking email, from Rowse, landed in my inbox: “British bee hives have declined by 73% in 100 years and the UK is home to just 30% of the bee hives needed in order to future-proof Britain’s bee count.”

It seems impossible to imagine a world without fruit, herbs and flowers – all of which rely on bees to exist. With the bee population in Britain declining it’s important to realise what we have thanks to our buzzy little pals. Here’s 10 foods we wouldn’t have if it weren’t for the honeybee.

10 foods we’d really miss in a world without bees

1. Strawberries
How boring would scones be without strawberry jam?!

2. Coffee
If you’re not a morning person, beware. Bees are responsible for your energising cup of coffee and with no coffee we couldn’t make this delicious coffee and walnut cake.

3. Mint
Mint would cease to exist; how are we meant to live without these minted lamb chops?

4. Oranges, lemons and limes
Don’t expect a citrus kick in a world without bees – or a slice of this lemon meringue pie.

5. Tomatoes
That’s right… no ketchup. How rubbish would fries be without out it, let alone not being able to have these polenta and chard chips with rich tomato sauce?