There are many different kinds of honeybees, some of which do not sting! These tiny insects are referred to as “stingless bees” and they produce a special honey that has a unique flavor and texture. Because the bees are so small, they are able to forage from a wide range of flora, even tiny flowers that larger insects cannot access. The resulting honey is more liquid in consistency than traditional honey and also boasts a sweet and sour flavor. It is highly prized for its health benefits and unique healing properties.
Stingless bees belong to an entirely different bee species, the Melipona genus, of which there are over 50 varieties spread across the tropics. Their colony structure is quite different from the common honeybee; they do not build wax honeycomb, but rather create waxy round “pods” which they fill with honey. The stingless bees we work with are indigenous to the forests of Northern Tanzania.
The honey has a bold, complex flavor. Even just one spoonful delivers a beautiful dance of sweet and sour. The honey is highly prized for its health properties, believed to support the immune and digestive system. It is packed full of micronutrients that the bees have collected from tiny flowers.
Maasai Honey
The mission of Maasai Honey is to support rural villagers in Tanzania, particularly women, through education and empowerment in beekeeping. We intend to create income-generating opportunities, allowing village beekeepers to work in their community, earn money, and support their families.
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We follow sustainable beekeeping practices to support the conservation and regeneration of indigenous African honey bees. African bees are well adapted to their local environment and an important part of the regional wildlife.
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We practice organic beekeeping methods, producing a honey that is all natural and chemical free. Bees forage from remote, forested areas free from commercial farms and industrial pollution. The bees are never fed sugar, they feed only on the wild plants of the region.
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Honey is purchased from rural beekeepers at a fair market price. We aim to create a sustainable business model by creating fair trade agreements with village beekeepers.
