Bees make honey primarily to store food for their colony to survive through times when nectar sources are scarce, especially during the winter months. Honey serves as a long-lasting and energy-rich food supply that bees can consume when flowers are not blooming and nectar is unavailable. They gather nectar from flowers, bring it back to the hive, and through processes involving enzymatic breakdown and water evaporation, convert it into honey. This honey is stored in honeycomb cells and capped with wax for preservation. The high sugar concentration in honey helps prevent bacteria and fungi growth, allowing it to be stored indefinitely without spoiling. Besides serving as food, honey provides energy for bees' flight muscles and helps maintain warmth in the hive. This stored honey is especially critical for the survival of the colony larvae and adult bees during cold or harsh seasons when foraging is impossible.
