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| MELIPONA SMALL BEE HONEY Kerala Small Bee Honey: An Overview Kerala Small Bee Honey, or Cheruthen, is a unique type of honey produced by stingless bees, specifically the Tetragonula iridipennis species in Kerala, India. This honey is highly valued for its distinct flavor, potential health benefits, and medicinal properties. Stingless bees, also known as dwarf honey bees, are much smaller than the common honeybee (Apis mellifera) and do not possess a stinger. They build irregular combs and store honey in small pots made of wax and propolis, a resin collected from trees. Characteristics and Production Stingless bees are found in tropical regions worldwide. In
Kerala, they are known as Cheruthen Eecha, and are approximately 3mm in size.
These bees forage on a variety of plants, including those with small flowers
that larger bees cannot access. This foraging behavior contributes to the
unique composition and medicinal value of the honey. The production of Cheruthen is limited. A single colony
typically yields between 200 grams and 1 kg of honey per year, though some
colonies can produce up to 2-3 kg. This low yield contributes to the honey's
higher market value compared to honey from larger bees. The honey is often
harvested by independent apiculturists. The honey is typically raw,
unprocessed, and free from additives. Flavor and Composition Cheruthen has a distinctive flavor profile that is not
overly sweet, with a pleasant taste and aroma. The taste can vary slightly
depending on the season and the flowers the bees foraged from, ranging from
slightly floral to subtly sweet with a unique, earthy undertone. The physicochemical properties of stingless bee honey differ
from those of honey produced by Apis mellifera. It has a higher
moisture content (often exceeding 20%), higher acidity, and lower sugar
content. The honey is typically in shades of amber. The mineral content is
influenced by the flowers visited by the bees, the botanical origin of the
nectar, and other factors. Health Benefits Cheruthen is considered a "Mother Medicine" in
Ayurvedic practices and is prized for its healing properties. It is rich in
antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. The potential health benefits include:
Uses and Storage Cheruthen can be consumed directly or mixed with warm water,
tea, or other beverages. It can also be applied topically to the skin for wound
healing and its antibacterial effects. To maintain freshness, Cheruthen should be stored in a cool,
dry place away from direct sunlight, in an airtight container. Raw honey
naturally crystallizes over time, which is a sign of its purity. Quality Standards Establishing quality standards for SBH is crucial for its
market acceptance and direct consumption by humans. The Malaysian standard
indicates a permissible moisture content of 35 g, sucrose of 7.5 g, and ash
content of 1.0 g for each 100 g of honey. The Codex Alimentarius (2019) and the
International Honey Commission (EU, 2014) standards do not currently include
the definition of honey produced by stingless bees. The most important thing about Kerala Small Bee
Honey: The taste of stingless bee honey is distinct from regular.
Expect a complex flavor profile that may vary slightly depending on the season
and the flowering plants the bees foraged from. It can range from slightly
floral to subtly sweet with a unique, earthy undertone. Actual Product as Available:
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