Beekeeping's Role in Nurturing a Sustainable Ecosystem

Beekeeping's Role in Nurturing a Sustainable Ecosystem

An Expert's Perspective on Ethical and Sustainable Beekeeping

Beekeeping has evolved into a vital component of nurturing an eco-friendly and sustainable ecosystem. It transcends honey collection, focusing on ethical practices, sealed comb honey, and honey diversification. The beekeeping industry's transformation benefits not only the bees but also contributes to a healthier planet. We interviewed experts Dr. Yoginee Budhkar, Co-Founder at Cerana Meads, and Dr. Ashwini Deore, Co-Founder at Cerana Meads, to explore the multifaceted world of beekeeping, spanning ethical, ecological, and culinary dimensions.

Ethical Honey Sourcing

• Honey bees collect nectar and pollen for their sustenance, storing surplus honey in the hive's top compartment, known as the 'super chamber.'
• Ethical honey sourcing involves harvesting only surplus honey from the super chamber, ensuring that bees' brood and sustenance honey remain undisturbed. This practice promotes sustainable beekeeping.

Sealed Comb Honey vs. Prematurely Harvested Honey

• Sealed comb honey is produced through a natural process where moisture content decreases to about 18-22%, and bees seal the honeycomb cell with wax.
• This natural sealing indicates the completion of honey formation and ensures the honey's raw and unprocessed quality. Prematurely harvested honey requires treatment for moisture reduction and is not in its optimal state.

Varietal Honey at Cerana

• Cerana Meads utilizes varietal honey to highlight distinct aroma and taste profiles from various sources. They craft meads from honey sourced from different regions, such as lychee honey from Bihar for pomegranate vanilla mead and Jamun honey from Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra for jamun and Yule spice meads.

Per Capita Increase in Honey Consumption

• Promoting increased per capita honey consumption involves diversifying honey use from a medicinal ingredient to an integral part of consumable products.
• Encouraging honey processing and the creation of products like meads can significantly boost honey consumption, celebrating the dynamic qualities of local honeys.

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