Rapé Própolis

How Bees Produce Própolis

1. Collection of Plant Resins

• Worker bees gather resin from tree buds, bark, and other plant sources, including poplar, birch, and conifer trees.
• This sticky resin is rich in bioactive compounds that provide the foundation for Própolis.

2. Enzyme Secretion

• Bees mix the collected resin with their saliva and enzymes.
• This process chemically alters the resin, enhancing its antimicrobial and protective properties.

3. Combining with Beeswax

• The resin-enzyme mixture is blended with beeswax, creating a pliable substance that becomes Própolis.

4. Application in the Hive

• Bees use Própolisfor various purposes, including:
  • Sealing small gaps in the hive to protect against drafts.
  • Covering foreign objects they cannot remove, effectively mummifying them to prevent decay.
  • Strengthening the hive’s structure, reducing the risk of infections, and maintaining overall hive health.

Humans Purify Própolis

1. Collection

• RawPrópolis is harvested from hives, often found in small crevices or on the hive walls.

2. Cleaning:

• The raw material is cleaned to remove impurities such as wood chips, dead bees, or other debris.

3. Extraction

• Própolis is soaked in alcohol, ethanol, or water to dissolve the bioactive compounds.
• This process separates the resinous elements from wax and other insoluble materials.

4. Filtration

• The liquid is filtered to remove any remaining solid particles, leaving a purified solution rich in active compounds.

5. Concentration

• The filtered liquid is sometimes evaporated to concentrate the Própolis extract, making it suitable for use in tinctures, ointments, or supplements.

6. Drying (Optional)

• In some cases, the purified Própolis is dried into powder form for various applications.

Applications of Purified Própolis

• Used in natural medicine for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties.
• Incorporated into skincare products, dietary supplements, and oral care items.
• Valued as a natural preservative or immune-boosting ingredient.

Climate and Rapé Quality

Proper storage is crucial to maintaining the quality of rapé. Humidity, temperature, and air exposure fluctuations will affect the product over time. For instance, in colder or drier regions, rapé can lose its natural moisture, becoming brittle and harsh to use. On the other hand, in areas with seasonal humidity or inconsistent storage conditions, it can still clump or develop mold if precautions aren’t taken. Regardless of where you live, investing in airtight containers, storing rapé in a cool and dark place, and monitoring humidity levels will ensure that its aroma, potency, and texture are preserved. Proper storage shows respect for the sacred nature of rapé and ensures that you’re receiving its full benefits every time you use it.

Tips to Preserve Snuff Quality

To ensure your Rapé Própolis stays fresh and potent for as long as possible, especially in humid climates:

1. Airtight Containers: Use containers with tight seals, such as screw-cap tins or vacuum-sealed jars, to minimize air exposure.
2. Cool, Dark Storage: Store rapé in a cool, shaded area away from direct sunlight and heat sources. In tropical environments, consider using a climate-controlled storage space.
3. Avoid Frequent Opening: Minimize the time the container is open to prevent exposure to fluctuating humidity and air.

Handling & Preparation of Rapé Própolis

I sieve Rapé Própolis and all other snuff in my shop using a 120-micron, high-grade stainless steel mesh. This meticulous process ensures:

• An exceptionally fine powder.
• Consistent fineness in every batch.
• Removal of unwanted particles.
• Optimal absorption and effectiveness.

To preserve quality, I store all rapé in dry, vacuum-sealed containers. These careful steps ensure every product meets the highest standards of freshness and effectiveness.

Maintaining Freshness and Potency

• The stockroom is always kept:
  • Cool and dark to preserve the blend’s freshness and potency.
  • Free from excessive moisture and humidity, which can quickly ruin rapé.
• I take extra precautions to:
  • Protect rapé from heat, light, and air exposure.
  • Keep everything organized for easy access and quality control.

Labeling Process

• I handle the labeling myself to avoid:
  • Mislabeled products.
  • Misplaced batches.

When someone orders rapé, they can trust they’re receiving exactly what they asked for. While I strive for perfection, I occasionally make small mistakes, but these are rare and will be corrected.

Handling New Stock

When new shipments arrive, I carefully transfer the rapé into proper containers. This minimizes unnecessary exposure to air or light. I also:

• Rotate stock regularly to ensure older batches are used first.
• Store rapé in vacuum-sealed containers to maintain its freshness and quality.

Respecting the Product

Handling rapé is not complicated, but it requires attention to detail. For me, it’s about respecting the product and ensuring it reaches customers in the best possible condition.

Armando, Shop Owner