Description

**Litchi Honey**

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. Society’s 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.

⚠️ Challenges:

Climate Change: Unpredictable weather patterns can affect litchi flowering and honey production.

Pesticide Use: The use of pesticides in litchi orchards can harm bee populations and affect honey quality.