UK television show QI told audiences that avocados – millennials’ favourite food – aren’t vegan. Host Sandi Toksvig explained that avocados, as well as almonds, cucumbers, and several other plants, aren’t vegan because of bee exploitation.
The bees that pollinate these products are part of migratory beekeeping, which means they’re put on a truck and driven to another part of the country. Transporting bees causes stress and shorter life spans, meaning animals are harmed in the process. Because migratory beekeeping harms animals, the products of it are not strictly vegan.
However, there’s good news for vegans and bee-lovers: migratory beekeeping is usually only used on large commercial farms. Buying locally-grown or organic fruits and vegetables is a good way to ensure your produce is bee-friendly.
In New Zealand, managed bee colonies have been on the rise since a mite destroyed many of our wild bees in 2000. However, we still don’t transport bees often, meaning you’re probably safe to have that avocado toast.
