The honey harvesting that took place in Hokkaido since late July has been successfully completed! This year, we harvested honey with a rich flavor unique to this land, amidst Hokkaido's magnificent nature.

"Soba honey" harvested in Teshikaga Town
In summer in Hokkaido, vast fields of buckwheat bloom with white, delicate flowers. From the small white flowers, a unique fragrance wafts gently, which some people may find slightly peculiar. The raw material for buckwheat is the buckwheat seed, but did you know that honey can be harvested from its flowers? Buckwheat is one of the important nectar source plants for honeybees. When the flowers bloom, the bees visit each flower one by one, collecting the nectar. The honey harvested in this way is called "soba honey."

Soba honey is different from regular honey in a unique way. It has a distinctive aroma and a rich depth of flavor, often characterized by a color that ranges from dark brown to deep brown. Within its deep sweetness, reminiscent of brown sugar or black syrup, there is a unique flavor that is characteristic of soba honey. It is also recommended to pair it with fragrant breads like rye bread.

"Bodhi Tree Honey" harvested in the Akan area
In the Akan area, located west of Teshikaga Town, honey from the Bodhi tree has been harvested. The Bodhi tree is also known for the episode where Buddha attained enlightenment under its shade. In Japan, you can often see them planted in temples and other places. The honey harvested from such Bodhi trees is called "linden honey" overseas and has been cherished in Europe for a long time. The Bodhi tree blooms with small, delicate yellow or pale yellow flowers. The honey from these flowers is sweet and refreshing, with an appealing fragrance. It offers a different refreshing aroma and elegant sweetness compared to buckwheat honey. Thanks to favorable weather, we were able to safely harvest Bodhi tree honey again this year.

The appearance of freshly harvested linden tree honey.

The bees from SUGI BEE GARDEN, after finishing their honey collection, have moved from the Teshikaga and Akan areas to their base in Hamana Town. Upon confirming their safe arrival, the bees were already buzzing around energetically, diligently collecting yellow and orange pollen.

The bees that have returned to Hamachū Town are flying around energetically.

Even honey harvested in Hokkaido can vary greatly in aroma and flavor depending on the flowers and regions that serve as its nectar sources. Each type has its own unique personality, and enjoying these differences is one of the charms of beekeeping. Please look forward to this year's honey from Hokkaido!