Lavender Honey: A New Addition to Aseer’s Beekeeping Industry
The burgeoning beekeeping industry in Aseer has inspired farmers and honey producers to cultivate plants renowned for attracting bees and producing high-quality honey. One such plant, lavender, has gained popularity in the region thanks to the efforts of Dr. Ali Al-Shehri, an agricultural expert based in Abha.
Al-Shehri has dedicated a portion of his land to growing lavender, a plant known for its diverse varieties and its ability to produce high-quality honey. He aims to introduce lavender honey to the market as a complement to Aseer’s well-established honey varieties, such as Sidr and Talh.
In an interview with the Saudi Press Agency, Al-Shehri explained his motivation for experimenting with lavender. He emphasized that while the plant is not widely known in the region, its potential for producing high-quality honey made it an attractive option. He highlighted the unique flavour and colour of lavender honey, which is a new variety in Saudi Arabia. Given its rarity and purity, the market price for a kilogram of lavender honey can reach a substantial SAR1,000.
Lavender plants are known for their striking appearance, with flowers ranging from purple to crimson and white tinged with pink. They can grow to a meter high and bloom from early summer to fall. In addition to producing honey, lavender plants are also valued for their essential oils, which have numerous health benefits.
Lavender honey is harvested from mid-summer to early fall. It is characterized by its light amber colour, thick texture, and sweet, fragrant taste.
