Ancient Sidr trees have grown wild in the mountainous Hadramout region of Yemen's Do'an Valley for centuries. The Sidr tree, also known as Jujube or Christ's Thorn, was an essential component used to complete many of the famous construction projects undertaken by the ancient Egyptians. Today, thousands of beekeepers gather in Hadramout twice per year to venture up into the rugged mountains to collect their prized Sidr Honey. Their method of beekeeping is a traditional one, employing no chemicals, drugs or machinery. All harvesting is done by hand, using smoke from burning dried camel skins to ward off the bees and a hand knife to collect the liquid gold.
We first came across this treasured product in the glamorous Dubai Mall. Because Yemeni Sidr Honey is so rare, we needed to make ensure the product we were acquiring was authentic, as many fakes do exist. The Balqees brand is respected as being the purest, most potent Sidr honey available anywhere. This premium quality, combined with the challenge of getting product out of Yemen, leads to a retail price rarely seen for honey.
Raw and pure, Yemeni Sidr Honey of Do'an is recognized by the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization as one of "the world's best food sources." Its benefits, other than the ability to sweeten your tea, include over 80 different health giving properties, running the gamut from antibacterial to anti-fungal to anti-carcinogenic. In fact, its antibacterial property is so potent it is used as a home remedy against "Superbugs" in cases where western medicines are ineffective. Sidr honey is also recognized for its high levels of antioxidants, its ability to strengthen your immune system and its role in reducing or eliminating allergies.
Medium amber in color and thick but pourable (if you are patient), Sidr Honey is pleasant to eat with only a slight medicinal aftertaste that is much more subtle than that of Manuka or Eucalytpus honey. Its supporters recommend one teaspoon every morning and one at night to promote general health and vitality.