Forest Honey
We work with beekeepers to manage their bee colonies and produce honey based on the flowering schedule of different indigenous trees. Each honey product results in a distinctive profile - of flavors, texture, and color based on the dominant tree flora source:
Grawa Tree Flora
(Vernonia amygdalina) Flowering season: Jan - Feb; Harvest season: March
Sensory notes: Dark amber in color; Thicker-than-average viscosity; Tastes of burnt caramel with a hint of bitterness
About Grawa: Also known as "bitter leaf," this medicinal flower comes from a shrub endemic to tropical African countries. Fun fact: Chimpanzees seek out and ingest Grawa leaves when they suffer from infections.
Geteme Tree Flora
(Schefflera abyssinica) Flowering season: April - May; Harvest season: May - June
Sensory notes: Off-white/cream in color; Thick, almost chewy texture; Tastes of sweet, fresh spring flowers in your mouth
About Geteme: The Geteme tree flourishes in high altitudes like Ethiopia, and its flora is a favorite among bees. Many farmers manage their wild coffee trees under the shade of Geteme trees, which can tower 20-30 meters high.
Bissana Tree Flora
(Croton macrostachyus) Flowering season: June; Harvest season: July
Sensory notes:
Bissana (Gera Forest): Amber-White in color; Thick and buttery texture; Tastes of roses, crisp pear followed with a floral inspired perfumed fragrance. (Sold Out!)
Bissana (Goma Forest) : Dark and maroon in color; Thick and slightly viscous texture. Tastes of tart fruit skins, orange blossom with a floral finish.Amber-White in color; Thick and buttery texture; Tastes of roses with a perfume fragrance
About Bissana: For our farmers in Gera forest, the Bissana flowering period is the last honey harvest before the multi-month rainy season. When in bloom, the Bissana tree flora’s fragrance pervades the senses. This medicinal tree treats 80+ sicknesses. Ethiopia farmers also use this tree to provide necessary shade to their coffee trees.
Abalo Tree Flora
(Terminalia brownii) Flowering season: June; Harvest season: July
Sensory notes: Dark amber in color; Tastes of smoked wood and umami, with an underlying tones of chrysanthemum
About Abalo: Abalo trees are indigenous to the region and thrive in dry to moist tropical forests. Our Abalo honey comes from the heavy rainfall woodlands in Godere Woreda of Majang Forest in Gambella.
Coffee Tree Flora
(Coffea arabica) Flowering season: Jan - March (varies by forest); Harvest season: Jan - March (varies by forest)
Sensory notes: Dark amber in color;
About Coffee: Ethiopia is the birthplace of Coffea arabica, the highest quality of coffee which is now grown all over the world. Coffee trees only flower for about two weeks before their flora fall and become coffee cherry fruits. This sensitive timeframe for honey production varies greatly between forests.