Royal jelly
Royal jelly is a type of bee secretion that aids in the development of immature or young bees. It is secreted by the heads of young workers and used (amongst other substances) to feed the young until they develop to the desired rank. If a queen is desired, the hatchling will receive only royal jelly as its food source, in order that she will become sexually mature and have the fully developed ovaries needed to lay more eggs for the hive.
Cultivation
A device is fitted on to the entrance of the hive which scrapes the secretion off the bees as they enter. This product is combined with honey for preservation, as it spoils easily. It should be kept refrigerated and tightly sealed.
Uses
People collect and sell royal jelly as a dietary supplement, claiming various health benefits and nutrients such as B-complex vitamins, including a high concentration of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), acetylcholine, minerals, enzymes, hormones, eighteen amino acids, antibacterial and antibiotic components, and vitamins A, C, D and E.
For some animal rights advocates and other groups such as vegans, the collection of royal jelly for human use is considered unethical.
Sources
Balch, Phyllis A.; Balch, James F. (2000). Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Third Edition. New York: Avery. ISBN 1-58333-077-1.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: publisher location (link)
Other meanings of royal jelly
Literature
The short story Royal Jelly by Roald Dahl was published in the February 1983 issue of The Twilight Zone Magazine.
Science Fiction
In the extended Alien universe, Royal Jelly is a highly addictive substance secreted by a queen Xenomorph and highly coveted by the Weyland-Yutani corporation, who use it to produce performance enhancing drugs.