The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world. At the end of spring the khalisha, goran, keora and bain trees bloom, and wild bees turn their nectar into the famous Sundarbans honey.
Who are the mouals?
The people who go into the forest to collect honey from wild combs are called mouals. Usually from April, for a few months, they set out in groups by boat with a permit from the Forest Department. They face mud, tides, bee stings and, the biggest fear of all, the Royal Bengal tiger.
How the honey is cut
- Smoke from a torch of dry leaves and twigs moves the bees away.
- Only the part of the comb that holds honey is cut.
- The part with eggs and young bees is left, so the colony can build again.
What is khalisha honey like?
Khalisha honey from early in the season is light golden, thin and gently sweet, and many people think it is the best honey of the Sundarbans. Later in the season come goran and keora honey, which are a little darker.
Have a look at our Sundarbans khalisha flower honey.
