It was a surprising discovery for me and my family to see a honeybee nest located inside the window duct area of our apartment (Around 2 months back). The Air Conditioner (AC) duct area of our house was always covered by a window tinted with a colored film and we used to keep that window closed. One fine day my daughter accidentally opened the window and to our surprise we saw a beautiful nest of honeybee resting in that space. We did not know how to react at that time but decided not to disturb their peaceful nest.
The thing which surprised me the most was how the honeybees were able to survive in such harsh weather conditions of Khobar, Saudi Arabia. The average temperature in summer in Khobar is ~45C. So, I did some research and read some literature and came-up with the following interesting findings related to honey (Local perspective):
Honey is extensively consumed in the local market (Saudi Arabia) because of its influence on local culture and religion.
Honey have some valuable medicinal and healing properties and is described in the holy book Quran followed by Muslims.
A local survey has shown that on an average a Saudi local consumes ~one kilogram of honey every month.
Previous research work has already proven that honey contains rich anti-inflammatory properties which plays crucial role in reducing allergy symptoms.
The price of locally produced honey (Saudi produced) is much higher when compare to imported honey.
It was also noted that imported bee colonies cannot handle the harsh weather conditions of Saudi Arabia and soon perishes.
The imported bee colonies have endangered the population of local honeybee by weakening their genes through the uncontrolled mating.
Sidr honey is royal delicacy and it is prepared solely from nectar of Sidr trees. This tree has proven anti-bacterial properties and is widely used in the local traditional medicines.
The higher distribution of honey in the local market have helped in improving the standard of living in the rural areas where beekeeping is widely performed.
The Saudi local customers can pay as much as 200US$ to buy the top quality of locally produced honey.
This local university along with many other government departments are actively involved in conducting research to improve the honey industry and improve its infrastructure to increase the honey production in Saudi Arabia.
Thanks for post beautiful photo. Two months back behind my window there was a small honey bee nest my son was wiping window he noticed he also found of photography took photo suddenly one bee bit him on his hand itâs dangerous u cannot bear the pain I remember my grandma said if they bit apply copper metal I had jug he rubbed after half hour got relief so take care your its very big .
Here in my area during summer trained people come they cover the face & body burn the nest keep vessel collect it itâs pure sold for 400-500 kg.
Honey is good for kids my mom said kids should be give 1 tsp honey daily.
If they have cold or cough honey with black pepper is given .People add honey to there green tea or in hot water, lemon honey. It used for medical purpose us in Ayurveda.
Hello @fasi6083 thank you for this post you state that:
âA local survey has shown that on an average a Saudi local consumes ~one kilogram of honey every month.â
That really is a lot can I ask how it is consumed? Is it used as a sweetener instead of sugar?
Very nicely written. I had a lot of fun reading the post. the photo is also very beautiful. In fact, if you have a love for work, you can take a good photo.
Thank you so much, my dear @fasi6083 for writing a good post sharing with us.
@Mohammadalauddin I notice you copy and paste this same comment on many post just changing the name of the local guide youâre replying to. This might be considered as spamming. If you really like a post try to say something genuine about it.
Thanks for the comment @RosyKohli mam, thanks for highlighting the additional benefits of honey on human health. Here in Saudi Arabia, they do use honey especially for throat infections and add honey as a layer in almost all the desserts. We have decided not to disturb their nest and will surely follow the traditional remedy as described in your comment, in case if the bee bite accidentally.
The locals use honey as topping in all their desserts, Yes you are correct, instead of using sugar they prefer adding honey in all the beverages @Erik_van_den_Ham
Thanks for the comment @Ivi_Ge Yes, we are not disturbing the nest. I have made sure all the openings from the duct area are properly sealed, so that the bees donât enter the home accidentally.
Oh @fasi6083 , what a surprise! In the little twon where I live, there are producers of honey but I knew that many hives arenât producing enough honey because their bees are dying. I think your accidental discovery is like a miracle of nature, due the plasticity that bees have to adapt to the environment in that specific location.
Thanks for the beautiful comment @BeatrizAguilar You have wonderfully described the Honeybee nest a âMiracle of natureâ. It is indeed astonishing to see the amazing amount of work which bees perform to make honey. In one research study the researchers concluded that, âIt takes at least eight bees all their life to make one single teaspoonfulâ.
