The honey from Bhutan is of the highest quality

Bhutan's Honey is known for its natural benefits and high antioxidant. It balances the immune system and protects against atherosclerosis, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

The honey from Bhutan is of the highest quality

If you have been to Jalikhar, Bumthang in the month of August beehives hidden in colorful explosion of cosmos flower garden will be a beautiful sight to behold. 73 members registered with the Beekeepers Cooperative of Bhutan (BECoB) form a bee-keepers community. Each member has beehives ranging from five to hundreds producing the first known organic honey from Apis Mellifera (western honey bee).


Bee hives in cosmo garden

The bee-keepers are either from Bumthang with their own land or from other places who have hired land for bee-keeping business. Given the little work but great return on investment, these beekeepers take up bee-keeping as a source of side income. However, for quality control of the products the interested individuals first register with BECoB. They are then trained in bee-keeping and allowed to practice with initial set up help in terms of loans and grants.

When they start first, the bee-keepers buy the bee-keeping equipment and bees from other bee-keepers or the Dzongkhag. They place beehives around their houses or farm for easy accessibility to tend. The employees of BECoB also help them with filling their hives and guide them for the first few months. Once the colony is grown, the bee-keepers harvest honey twice a year – in July and September.


Bee hives of community members 

The bee-keepers take the collected honey to BECoB. To ensure that only high quality honey goes into the market. They are not permitted to sell on their own. The cooperative purchase honey from all members, process the honey, bottle and package it in their factory in Bumthang, markets, promotes and sells the honey on behalf of the members. On an average about 15000KG of honey is extracted by the community and sold by the cooperative.

Types of Organic Honey Produced by BECoB:

BECoB produces two types of honey called the clover honey and the buckwheat honey. Clover Honey is produced from the July honey harvest when Bumthang is filled with clover flowers and bees feed on nectar from these flowers.

Buckwheat honey is produced in September during the buckwheat season and flowering. Buckwheat honey is limited in quantity and it is also costlier than clover honey because of its demand and higher nutritional values. 

Buckwheat honey 

They have added a new honey to their product list recently called the Cream Honey for meeting the functionality of everyday requirement – easy smearing on bread!

The honey from the cooperative is known to be in its purest natural form (untreated and unadulterated) with a strong flavor and aroma. It’s also from the honey bees that lives in a clean environment free from pollution and that forage on mountain flowers. 

“This year we have so much honey in stock. Our clients are mainly hotels and then the tourists. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic situation last year, the hotel and tourism industry is affected badly and we are also facing the ripple effect of it in terms of honey sale,” said Mr Tul Bahadur Chettri, the President of BECoB.

Talking about honey product diversification, he said that it would be great to be able to produce wax, pollen and royal jelly in addition to honey. However, the cooperative now has no skills and it is an aspiration of a near future for the model sustainable cooperative.

Mr. Fritz Maurer introduced Apis millifera (the same bees in Bumthang) to Bhutan in 1986. Having realized the economic potential both in terms of honey production and pollination, the beekeeping project was established in 1995 by HELVETAS with initiative from Mr Fritz Maurer. The project was handed over to BECoB and now functions under it.

Bhutan's Honey is known for its natural benefits and high antioxidant. It balances the immune system and protects against atherosclerosis, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

To purchase honey from Bhutan, you may visit Bhutan Natural online store. 

 


Related Posts

Bhutan’s Roadmap to 2040: Connecting Communities, Preserving...

Bhutan is embarking on a major infrastructure initiative to construct 200 km of new roads by 2040, aimed at enhancing...

Apr 01, 2025 17:18

Chauffeur-Driven and Stress-Free: AVIS Bhutan Launches in the...

MICE Bhutan partners with Avis Budget Group to offer tailored mobility services for corporate delegations, long-term...

Mar 26, 2025 11:28

Passion and Purpose: Hidden Gems and Spiritual Wonders in Bhutan

Bhutan, a land of breathtaking landscapes and rich traditions, is best experienced through the eyes of those who know it...

Mar 14, 2025 15:57

Discover Bhutan: Experience the Magic at Changi Airport

Experience the enchanting beauty of Bhutan at the ‘Discover Bhutan’ Exhibition at Changi Airport! Immerse yourself in...

Mar 10, 2025 20:44

Bhutanese Citizens to Gain Work Opportunities in Singapore Soon

Starting from 1 June 2025, Singapore employers in the manufacturing and services sectors will be able to hire Work...

Mar 07, 2025 11:48

Bhutan’s Water Crisis: Climate Change and the Future of the...

Bhutan, a country rich in water resources, is facing an escalating crisis as climate change accelerates glacier retreat...

Feb 26, 2025 16:25

Latest

News

Bhutan’s Roadmap to 2040: Connecting Communities, Preserving Nature

Bhutan is embarking on a major infrastructure initiative to construct 200 km of new roads by 2040, aimed at enhancing connectivity while...

Apr 01, 2025 17:18

Chauffeur-Driven and Stress-Free: AVIS Bhutan Launches in the Himalayas

MICE Bhutan partners with Avis Budget Group to offer tailored mobility services for corporate delegations, long-term visitors, leisure...

Mar 26, 2025 11:28

Features

Most Popular Bars in Paro

Paro may be known for its monasteries and mountains, but its nightlife is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. From lively pubs and cosy...

Mar 24, 2025 14:27

Honouring a Legacy: Her Majesty Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck’s 25 Years as UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador

On International Women’s Day, March 8, Her Majesty Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck was honoured by the United Nations Population Fund...

Mar 11, 2025 10:46

Business

Most Popular Bars in Thimphu

Discover Thimphu’s vibrant nightlife, where traditional Bhutanese drinks meet modern cocktails in the city’s top bars and lounges. Unwind...

Feb 10, 2025 16:14

Brand Bhutan: Karma Yangchen

Karma Yangchen, a distinguished artisan from Bhutan exemplifies a profound commitment to the art of handwoven textiles.

Dec 14, 2023 10:22

Sports

Bhutan Cricket's New Milestone: The Inaugural Indoor Cricket Academy

The Bhutan Cricket Council Board (BCCB) inaugurated its inaugural indoor cricket academy on 20th December, with the objective of ensuring...

Dec 21, 2023 14:57

Paro FC Clinches Third Consecutive Victory in BOB Bhutan Premier League

Paro FC has once again claimed the BOB Bhutan Premier League championship, marking their third consecutive title victory during the season's...

Dec 12, 2023 10:26

Travel

Goen Tshephu Ney, Bhutan’s Sacred Cave of Spiritual Wonders

Goen Tshephu Ney, a sacred cave in Goenshari Gewog, Punakha, is a hidden spiritual gem now gaining popularity due to improved road access....

Mar 18, 2025 12:56

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten: A spiritual and Architectural Marvel in Punakha

The Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten in Nyizergang, Punakha stands as a testament to Bhutan’s rich spiritual heritage and architectural...

Feb 28, 2025 12:28

Lifestyle

Most Popular Restaurants in Thimphu

Most visitors to Bhutan are aware of our serene hiking trails, religious sites and colorful festivals.

Feb 03, 2025 10:16

Chunipa Losar: Bhutan's Timeless Celebration of Traditions and Offerings

Chunipa Losar is a day of offerings, a moment when communities come together to express gratitude, seek blessings, and strengthen bonds.

Jan 12, 2024 12:31

Subscribe to our newsletter

Never miss out on new happenings and news stories!

newsletter

Download Daily Bhutan Mobile App

Connecting with us just got easier!

android app
apple app