Meine Ernte hat begonnen: Heilkraft des Zedernhonigs bringt den Imkern Freude.

In Mersin, which has an important place in honey production in Turkey, the ‘cedar honey’, which can be harvested sometimes every 3 years and sometimes every 5 years due to climate conditions, brought joy to beekeepers this year. It was stated that the price per kilogram of cedar honey, which has started to be milked, is one thousand Turkish Lira. Beekeepers in Mersin, which is among the top 5 in beekeeping in Turkey, started production at sea level with the arrival of spring, and with the increasing heat, they went up to the cedar forests in the Taurus Mountains. Millions of bees at an altitude of 1800 meters filled their hives by starting their honey work as the sun rises. Beekeepers, who started production with more than 100,000 hives in the region, noted that cedar honey, which is sometimes harvested every 2, 3, or 5 years, is a special type of honey. Beekeepers mentioned that they entered a fruitful harvest season this year due to climate conditions, and stated that producers are hopeful. It was expressed that the kilogram price of cedar honey, a high antioxidant source, is around one thousand Turkish Lira, its TA value is 17, it strengthens the immune system, and is considered as a natural energy booster. After the completion of the honey work in the cedar forests, it was reported that the bees will be taken to the Eğriçayır plateau this time.
“Demand for cedar honey increased with the knowledge of its benefits” Beekeeper Celal Çay, emphasizing that they are in the cedar forests of the Taurus Mountains, said, “Not only us, but also hundreds of beekeeper friends are in this forest. Together, we produce cedar honey. It has a very delicious taste. At the same time, it is medicinal. It strengthens the immune system, supports the liver and lungs. With the knowledge of its benefits, the demand for cedar honey has started to increase.” Çay stated that as Mersin beekeepers, they want to produce cedar honey every year, but unfortunately, they cannot do it every year. It happens every 2-3 years. This year is one of those years. We expect high efficiency this year.”
If produced enough, it will be sent to many countries. Mentioning that they received demand from the Netherlands last year but could not send it because they did not have it, Çay said, “This year, with the good yield, we will send it. The only problem ahead is that due to global climate change, this honey cannot be produced as much as before. If we can produce enough this year, we will send it to the Middle East, Far East, and Europe.”
Cedar honey brought hope to beekeepers. President of Mersin Beekeepers Association, Adem Kurt, said, “We are in the cedar forests in Mersin Toros Mountains. Here, we make a serious honey production with 100 thousand hives. Due to climate changes and drought, our beekeepers were really going through a tough period, cedar honey brought hope. Cedar honey is a honey that does not occur every year. Sometimes every 2, 3, or 5 years. This year is one of those rare years, the yield is very high. This has become a source of hope for our beekeepers, turned into a production warehouse.”