Abha, July (پاکستان پوائنٹ نیوز 15 يوليو 2025ء) Aseer produces several types of honey during these seasons, each linked to a specific flowering period of local plants, providing a rich and sustainable source of natural honey.
In his book “Honey Atlas,” Dr. Ibrahim Al-Arifi documented the most significant floral and honey varieties that flourish in Aseer during summer and autumn. He noted that Majra Honey, famous in the region, is harvested in late summer and early autumn when its flowers, known scientifically as Teucrium polium, bloom on the peaks and slopes of Aseer, attracting bees with their fragrant nectar.
With its white color, very thick consistency, and intense sweet flavor, Majra honey stands out, crystallizing immediately upon extraction. According to the Honey Atlas, it is classified as one of the rarest types in the Kingdom due to its short flowering period and susceptibility to climate changes.
From June to late August, the flowers of the Acacia hamulosa plant begin to bloom in the valleys of western Aseer. The drought-resistant thorny plant produces Katad honey, characterized by its shiny golden color, pure taste, and moderate density. It is known for its immune-boosting properties and vitality-enhancing effects.
As summer draws to a close, the flowers of the Salam tree bloom in the arid rocky environments of western Aseer, renowned for their aromatic golden blossoms. Bees thriving on their nectar produce medium-density honey with a dark red hue, possessing a unique composition and flavor.
Meanwhile, renowned Sidr honey is one of the highest quality and most prevalent types, produced from the nectar of the Sidr tree flowers that grow in the eastern and western valleys of Aseer, particularly in the areas of Tihama, Rijal Almaa, and some plains of Sarat Abidah.
The honey is harvested during the flowering period of the Sidr tree, which lasts from August to October. It is distinguished by its dark golden color, unique flavor, and high nutritional and medicinal value, making it one of the most expensive types of honey in the Saudi market due to its quality and scarcity.
During the summer months, beehives in the western areas of Aseer also produce honey from the flowers of the seyal tree, which grows along the banks of valleys and is known for its bright yellow blooms. Seyal honey is categorized as a fall variety, with a dark amber color, light density, and an aromatic scent reminiscent of spices.
While Al-Samar tree honey is typically harvested in winter, some subtypes begin to bloom early in the fall, particularly in the warmer areas of Aseer. This allows for the early collection of this rich honey, characterized by its dark red color, spicy flavor, and pleasant aroma. It is considered one of Aseer's notable winter products, with early signs of harvesting in some locations.
Honey production in Aseer relies on the region's rich environment and botanical diversity, providing bees with multiple nectar sources throughout the year. Each type of honey, therefore, carries a distinct character and unique identity linked to its flower source.
The honey produced in Aseer plays a vital role in supporting the local economy, empowering beekeepers, promoting eco-tourism, and enhancing the effectiveness of agricultural sustainability programs.
According to statistics from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Aseer Region accounts for 20% of the total honey production in the Kingdom, with over 5,000 beekeepers active in this sector. The allocated support for beekeeping projects has amounted to around SAR54 million.
Beekeeping in Aseer continues to expand year after year, benefiting from institutional support and the unique richness of the region's environment, positioning it as a cornerstone of agricultural and tourism development in the Kingdom.
