Beekeeping – Honey

Zakynthos during the seasons of spring and autumn is like a huge garden display, an idyllic place for bees and the production of fine honey. The honey of Zakynthos, after recent research, proved to be one of the richest in quality due to the hundreds of varieties of flowers and herbs that grow here.

The production of honey on the island is small and done in a traditional way, which is one of the reasons why it keeps its purity.

Hundreds of books have been written about honey and much research has been done about its benefits and therapeutic qualities. Since ancient times honey has been said to aid longevity, a myth which isn’t far from the truth. The ancient Romans used honey to treat their wounds and make them heal quicker, no germ can survive on honey for over 48 hours.

Honey can help the circulatory system, the heart, the nervous system, and has been known to assist in the prevention of illnesses including certain types of cancer. It is little wonder therefore that it is one of the main foods in the diet of the health conscious. Apart from honey, there is honeycomb, beeswax, propylene and the elite royal jelly that is even more beneficial than honey and used by the bees to feed their queen.

A wondrous world exists within a beehive; their skills of organization, methodical approach and their tireless labour would put many of us to shame. It is one of the most successful species on our planet and a female, instead of the usual male, reigns each kingdom.

Honey is divided into approximately 40 different categories according to the type of plant that it originates from. Bees can make up to 100,000 flights per day in order to produce one kilo of honey, in one day alone they can visit between 2,500 and 3,000 flowers.

The ancient Greeks were familiar with the art of beekeeping. Honey was a popular pre-contest tonic for the athletes who competed in the Olympic games.

Programme

• Visit the hives and learn about the wonderful world of bees.
  
• We will meet traditional beekeepers and be able to taste some of the fine honey that they produce.
  
• Visit the places where honeycomb is turned into honey and other products.