Kerala Small Bee Honey

 


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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:

  • Antioxidant Properties: Cheruthen is rich in antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress and chronic diseases.
  • Anti-inflammatory Effects: It may help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of inflammatory conditions.
  • Antimicrobial Action: It exhibits antimicrobial properties, which can be beneficial for wound healing and combating infections.
  • Digestive Health: It can aid in digestion and promote gut health.
  • Other Benefits: It is believed to improve the menstrual cycle, provide energy, increase metabolism, improve blood circulation, reduce fatigue and joint pain, improve potency, and improve the immune system. It is also used to treat cold and flu, skin infections, and wounds.

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:

KERALA SMALL BEE HONEY


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