BASIRHAT HONEY CULTIVATORS REH INDL CO-OP SOCIETY LIMITED

Basirhat, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal

Regions: Coriander is grown in various parts of West Bengal, including districts like Purulia, Bankura, and Burdwan. These areas have favorable soil and climate conditions for coriander cultivation. Season: Coriander flowers bloom from January to March, providing a critical period for honey production. Beekeeping Practices: Bee Species: The primary species used for honey production are the Indian bee (Apis cerana) and the European bee (Apis mellifera). Honey Harvesting: Basirhat Honey Cultivators R.E.H. Indl. Co-op. Society Limiteds beekeepers placing their hives near coriander fields during the flowering season. Honey is typically harvested from February to April, aligning with the coriander flowering period. Honey Characteristics: Flavor and Aroma: Coriander honey has a distinct flavor profile with spicy and herbal notes, reflecting the aroma of coriander flowers. Color: It often has a light to medium amber color. Quality: Coriander honey is valued for its unique taste and potential health benefits, making it sought after in both local and specialty markets. Economic Impact: Income Source: Coriander honey production provides an additional income source for farmers and beekeepers in West Bengal. Market Demand: There is growing interest in coriander honey due to its unique flavor and potential health benefits, both domestically and internationally.

Definition: Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honeybees from glands on their abdomens. The bees use it to build honeycombs in their hives. Color and Texture: Fresh beeswax is typically yellow or light brown and has a smooth, slightly sticky texture. The color can darken over time due to exposure to air and light. Uses of Natural Beeswax: Cosmetics: Lip Balms: Beeswax is a common ingredient in lip balms due to its moisturizing and protective properties. Creams and Lotions: It helps to emulsify and stabilize creams and lotions. Candles: Traditional Candles: Beeswax candles burn longer and cleaner than paraffin candles and emit a natural honey scent. Beeswax Wraps: Used as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap for food storage. Pharmaceuticals: Ointments and Salves: Beeswax is used as a base for various medicinal ointments and salves due to its soothing properties. Crafts and Art: Art Supplies: Beeswax is used in encaustic painting (wax painting) and as a coating for various craft projects. Wood and Leather Care: Polishes: Beeswax is used in furniture and leather polishes for its ability to shine and protect surfaces. Production Process: Harvesting: Beeswax is harvested from honeycombs after the honey has been extracted. The combs are melted to separate the wax from any remaining honey and debris. Purification: The melted wax is filtered and purified to remove impurities. It is then cooled and solidified into blocks or sheets. Benefits of Natural Beeswax: Natural and Biodegradable: Beeswax is a natural, renewable resource and is fully biodegradable. Non-Toxic: Unlike some synthetic waxes, beeswax does not release harmful chemicals when burned or used. Hypoallergenic: Beeswax is gentle on the skin and is often used in products for sensitive skin.

Regions: Black cumin is grown in parts of West Bengal, including districts such as Purulia, Bankura, and Nadia, where the climate and soil are suitable for its cultivation. Season: The flowering period for black cumin typically occurs from November to January, which aligns with the honey production season. Beekeeping Practices:Bee Species: The primary species used for honey production are the Indian bee (Apis cerana) and the European bee (Apis mellifera). Harvested by: Basirhat Honey Cultivators R.E.H. Indl. Co-op. Society Limiteds beekeepers. Honey Harvesting: Beekeepers place their hives in or near black cumin fields during the flowering season. The honey is usually harvested from December to February. Honey Characteristics:Flavor and Aroma: Black cumin honey has a distinctive, slightly spicy flavor with a rich, aromatic profile reflecting the scent of black cumin flowers. Color: It generally has a dark amber to brown color. Quality: Black cumin honey is appreciated for its unique flavor and potential health benefits, making it a premium product in both local and niche markets. Economic Impact:Income Source: The production of black cumin honey provides an additional revenue stream for farmers and beekeepers in West Bengal. Market Demand: There is increasing demand for black cumin honey due to its unique flavor and potential health benefits, both in domestic and international markets.

*Origin**: Eucalyptus Flora Honey from West Bengal is another unique variety of honey, known for its distinct flavor and medicinal properties. This honey is collected from the nectar of eucalyptus flowers, which are abundant in certain regions of West Bengal. **Who Collects It?**: Traditional Honey Collectors and beekeepers gather this honey from the nectar of Nectar of eucalyptus flowers. **Collection Season**: This honey is typically harvested by Basirhat Honey Cultivators R.E.H. Indl. Co-op. Society Limiteds beekeepers during the blooming season of eucalyptus trees, which usually occurs in the winter months. The honey is typically collected between March and May, when the mangrove flowers are in full bloom. Flavor & Aroma: It has a mild, slightly medicinal flavor with a refreshing aroma, making it quite different from other types of honey. Health Benefits: Known for antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties; soothes sore throats, coughs, and respiratory issues. **Texture & Taste**: This honey is known for its Smooth and slightly thickness, strong aroma, mildly sweet with a subtle medicinal note. It is 100% natural, with no added sugar, chemicals, or preservatives, and rich taste. Harvested by: Basirhat Honey Cultivators R.E.H. Indl. Co-op. Society Limiteds beekeepers.

Regions: South 24 Parganas, Malda, Murshidabad, and Darjeeling districts are known for their litchi orchards. The climate and soil conditions in these areas are ideal for litchi trees. Season: Litchi flowers typically bloom from March to May, which aligns with the honey production season. Beekeeping Practices: Bee Species: The primary species used for honey production are the Indian bee (Apis cerana) and the European bee (Apis mellifera). Honey Harvesting: During the litchi flowering season, Basirhat Honey Cultivators R.E.H. Indl. Co-op. Societys beekeepers place their hives in or near litchi orchards to maximize nectar collection. The honey is typically harvested from April to June. Honey Characteristics: Flavor and Aroma: Litchi honey is known for its distinctive floral aroma and a mild, sweet taste with a hint of litchi fruit. Color: It usually has a light amber color. Quality: Litchi honey is considered premium honey due to its unique flavor and high demand, especially in local and international markets. Income Source: Litchi honey production is a significant source of income for many small and medium-scale farmers in West Bengal. Market Demand: The demand for litchi honey is high, both domestically and internationally, due to its unique flavor profile and perceived health benefits.

National Ranking: Mustard honey production is quite significant in West Bengal. The state ranks second in honey production nationally. Harvest Season: November to February (winter months). Source: Nectar from mustard plant flowers. Harvested by: Basirhat Honey Cultivators R.E.H. Indl. Co-op. Society Limiteds beekeepers. Process: The process involves Basirhat Honey Cultivators R.E.H. Indl. Co-op. Society Limiteds beekeepers placing their hives near mustard fields to allow bees to collect nectar. Once the honeycombs are filled, the honey is extracted, filtered, and packaged for sale. Flavor: Mustard honey is known for its unique White color in winter season, rich taste. Health Benefits: Offers numerous health benefits, including medicinal properties. Challenges: Weather conditions have impacted production in recent years, but it remains vital to the states honey industry.

**Sundarban Mangrove Honey** **Origin**: Sundarban Mangrove Honey, also known as Sundarban Honey, is a unique and highly valued type of honey collected from the Sundarbans mangrove forests in West Bengal, India. **Who Collects It?**: Traditional honey collectors, known as Maulis, and beekeepers gather this honey from the nectar of various mangrove flowers. **Special Recognition**: Registered as a Geographical Indication (GI) product in 2024, highlighting its unique origin and quality. **Collection Season**: The honey is typically collected between March and May, when the mangrove flowers are in full bloom. **Texture & Taste**: This honey is known for its less viscous texture, strong aroma, and rich taste. It is 100% natural, with no added sugar, chemicals, or preservatives, and rich taste. **Eco-Friendly**: The collection and sale of Sundarban Honey support the livelihoods of traditional honey collectors and contribute to the conserve of the Sundarbans and its wildlife, including the majestic Royal Bengal Tigers.

Comb honey is a true delicacy straight from the hive . Unlike regular honey, which is extracted and processed, comb honey is left in its natural beeswax comb , preserving all of its raw goodness. The honey remains sealed in the hexagonal cells that bees meticulously build, offering a unique experience where you can taste honey just as the bees intended. The edible wax adds a chewy texture to the sweet, floral honey, making it a delightful treat. When you bite into comb honey, you get a burst of rich flavor followed by the subtle, pleasant chew of the wax, which can be enjoyed or gently discarded. Comb honey is often used as a luxurious topping for bread, cheese, or fruit , adding a natural sweetness and an artisanal touch to dishes. Its also a popular addition to charcuterie boards , where it pairs beautifully with a variety of flavors. Some even enjoy it straight from the comb, savoring the pure, unfiltered honey in its most natural state . Beyond its culinary uses, comb honey is visually stunning . The golden honey within the translucent comb makes it a beautiful centerpiece on any table. Its raw and untouched nature means that all the natural enzymes, pollen , and nutrients are preserved, making it not only delicious but also nutritious . Comb honey represents the artistry of bees and the simplicity of nature . Its a rare and special product that connects you directly to the hive, offering a taste of honey thats as pure and authentic as it gets.

Beeswax is a fascinating and versatile natural substance created by honeybees . Its secreted from special glands located on the underside of worker bees abdomens , which they use to build their intricate honeycomb structures . These hexagonal cells serve as storage for honey and a nursery for their young larvae . Beeswax starts as a nearly colorless material, but as it ages and absorbs pigments from pollen and propolis, it takes on a rich golden hue . Its sweet, honey-like aroma is unmistakable, making it a popular choice in products that value natural scents. In addition to its role in the hive , beeswax has been cherished by humans for thousands of years. Its a key ingredient in candle making , known for its clean burn and pleasant fragrance. In cosmetics , beeswax is prized for its moisturizing properties, forming a protective barrier on the skin while still allowing it to breathe . Its also used in the food industry especially in food wraps , as a natural alternative to plastic, helping to keep food fresh longer without harmful chemicals. Beeswax is biodegradable , non-toxic, and hypoallergenic, making it an eco-friendly choice for a wide range of applications. Its durability and flexibility ensure that it remains a go-to material in both traditional and modern uses, from art and crafts to industrial applications . The production of beeswax is also crucial to the health of bee colonies , which play an essential role in pollination and maintaining biodiversity .

Bee pollen is a nutrient-rich superfood collected by honeybees as they gather nectar from flowers. These tiny, colorful granules are made up of pollen grains that stick to the bees legs, which they mix with nectar and enzymes before carrying it back to the hive. Once in the hive, the pollen is stored in honeycomb cells and used as a primary food source for the bees , providing essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Bee pollen is often called natures multivitamin because its packed with a wide range of nutrients, including proteins , amino acids, vitamins (like B-complex and vitamin C) , minerals (such as iron and magnesium) , and antioxidants . These nutrients contribute to various health benefits, including boosting the immune system , improving energy levels , and supporting digestive health . The granules have a slightly sweet, floral taste and can be enjoyed in many ways. People often sprinkle bee pollen on yogurt , smoothies , salads , or even add it to baked goods for a nutritional boost. Its also available in supplement form for those who want to incorporate its benefits into their daily routine. Bee pollen is considered a powerful natural remedy in holistic health practices, often used to combat allergies , reduce inflammation, and promote overall well-being . However, its important to start with small amounts to ensure you dont have an allergic reaction, especially if youre sensitive to pollen . This golden superfood is more than just a supplement; its a symbol of the intricate relationship between bees and plants. By collecting and consuming bee pollen, youre directly connecting with the hardworking bees and the vibrant flowers they pollinate, supporting both your health and the ecosystem .

Sesame flora honey from West Bengal, India, is a unique and prized variety of honey that is produced when honeybees collect nectar from sesame flowers . West Bengal, with its rich agricultural heritage and favorable climate , provides an ideal environment for sesame cultivation. The regions fertile soil and moderate temperatures allow sesame plants to thrive, particularly during the flowering season. Sesame flowers bloom in abundance during specific months, attracting bees that diligently gather the nectar. These flowers are typically pale white to light pink in color , and their nectar produces honey with a distinct flavor and aroma . The honey is harvested directly from the hives , where bees have transformed the nectar into a golden, aromatic product The production of sesame flora honey in West Bengal is deeply connected to the regions traditional farming practices . Farmers in the area often practice organic and sustainable farming methods , ensuring that the honey is pure and free from chemical residues. This commitment to natural farming not only benefits the environment but also enhances the quality of the honey produced. Sesame flora honey is known for its smooth texture and mild, slightly nutty flavor , making it a favorite among honey enthusiasts. Its rich in natural sugars, antioxidants , and other nutrients that contribute to its health benefits, including boosting energy levels , supporting digestion , and providing immune system support The harvesting process in West Bengal is often done by Basirhat Honey Cultivators R.E.H. Indl. Co-op. Society Limiteds beekeepers who have inherited their knowledge of beekeeping through generations. These skilled beekeepers carefully extract the honey , ensuring that the bees and their hives are not disturbed, promoting sustainable honey production. Once harvested, the honey is usually filtered and packaged, maintaining its natural purity and flavor .