Mama Buci Zambian Forest Winter Honey

340 gram jar - Zambia - Pure, cold filtered, Zambian wildflower bush honey, free from any additives, preservatives, or adulterants.

A unique flavor comes from the pollen collected in the rich and diverse Miombo forests of central Zambia. Local families care for thousands of beehives and ethically collect honey only twice a year - winter and summer - from sustainably built and managed treetop bar hives, all built and managed by local Zambians.

Profits from the honey collection are used to support local families, beekeepers, and their communities.

For such a dark honey, it is surprisingly smooth, with a pourable viscosity! The texture influences your perception of the flavor. Really savor the first taste, as it will most clearly reveal all the nuances and subtleties of flavor. The start is light for a moment, then the mid-taste reveals a richness, something like molasses, and finally, the finish is a smoky roll off the edge of your tongue. After all this, you’ll notice hints of the wild floral mix that the bees were busy pollinating.

All artisanal honeys reflect not only what the bees are gathering but the terroir of where they live. This honey is unique and really, really delicious.

Try this honey on your morning toast or in your tea, with yogurt, or soft or hard cheeses, and in baking recipes.

Information about the Bees and Their Habitat

The Miombo forests of central Zambia constitute a vast and diverse woodland ecosystem that covers a large part of southern Africa, including Zambia, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Angola. The name "Miombo" comes from the Bantu language, meaning "brachystegia," the dominant tree species in these forests.

These forests feature a mosaic of different vegetation types, including savannas, woodlands, and forests, shaped by the interactions between rainfall, soil type, and topography. The Miombo forests are a crucial biodiversity hotspot in Africa, hosting a rich diversity of plant and animal species, including many endemics.

Home to elephants, lions, leopards, hyenas, and various mammal species, the Miombo forests also support over 300 bird species. Bees, both solitary and social, play a crucial role in pollination and maintaining forest ecosystems in this region.

The African honey bee (Apis mellifera) is one of the essential bee species in the Miombo forests. These highly social bees form large colonies, playing a vital role in pollinating fruit trees and flowering plants. Despite their aggressive behavior, wild African bees are crucial for local communities as a source of honey and other bee products.

Efforts are underway to promote the conservation and sustainable use of wild African bee populations in the Miombo forests and other parts of Africa. Beekeeping programs aim to support conservation, local livelihoods, and minimize risks associated with working with these defensive bees.