Especially apiculture in Crete dates back to prehistoric times! One of the most important exhibits in the Museum of Heraklion city, where archaeological findings of the famous Minoan civilisation are being displayed, is a wonderful golden jewel honey, named “two bees”. No greater testimony of the deep connection between the Cretan people and the bee, spanning thousands of years, can be made.
Even to this day, in weddings, namedays, birthdays and other festivities in Crete, people prepare sweet, delicious treats and dishes based on honey.
Superfood
The reason is actually pretty simple; Honey is produced in the mountainous region of Crete, in a truly unspoiled local ecosystem of extremely dense, aromatic flora of endemic, self-sown flower plants, trees and shrubbery.
The epitome of superfoods and as traditional, 100% natural a product as one can get. This golden jewel honey contains sugars which differ from glucose, making it appropriate even for diabetics! It is rich in vitamins and antioxidant substances, which also prevent cancer. Containing vitamin E along with other substances in great quantities, honey serves to regulate metabolism or remove some of the harmful effects of external factors such as smoking, radiation and various carcinogenic substances.
Made with love
The historical village of Vorizia at the foothills of Mount Psiloritis is home to one of the younger generation of beekeepers who wishes to carry his craft to the future. “Our ancestors have taught us the love and respect for the bees whose contribution to the natural balance and healthy ecosystem is of vital importance”, says Kostas Fragiadakis.
Every season he moves his beehives from mountain to mountain, “so that our bees can collect pollen and nectar” from every wild aromatic herb that grows in Crete. “This is what makes our honey truly unique”, he adds.
Nevertheless, adhering to tradition does not prevent mr. Fragiadakis from utilizing state-of-the-art bottling and labelling processes. On the contrary, it leads to a product absolutely free of additives.
