Friday 17 May 2024

Lebanon HoneyBee Routes

Batroun HoneyBee Route (Lebanon)

Batroun is a Lebanese district with a rich biodiversity. This beauty and richness is one of the reasons behind the success of beekeeping sector in the region. Recently, Batroun district has become one of the most attractive touristic regions in Lebanon for both local and international tourists. This great reputation will be even greater with the launching of Batroun Bees Route.

This route is very interesting for nature lovers, health and healthy food lovers, especially those who are in love with pure honey and the beehive products.

This 23 km route, which is composed of 4 different pit stops, is a great one-day road trip within which you can admire nature and taste the natural treasure collected by Bees from different Lebanese plant species. As well, you can learn a lot about beekeeping whatever is your age. Besides you can have your very special breakfast or lunch savoring many dishes prepared with pure honey. This unforgettable trip can be memorized with special souvenir such as special soaps or customized beeswax moule.

A. BARRIA

Embark on an Immersive Journey into Lebanon's Wilderness with BARRIA Lebanon

Where Wilderness Comes Alive
Barria, which translates to "wilderness" in Arabic, beckons you to dive into the rich tapestry of the Mediterranean's wild terroir. Our mission is to unfold the ancient wisdom of our foremothers and forefathers, deeply rooted in the land, offering a selection of herbs, herbal teas, and beehive products meticulously nurtured in harmony with our local environment.

Fostering Growth While Preserving Nature
Barria was conceived with a profound commitment to merge economic growth with environmental stewardship and rural development. We've chosen the path of cultivating native plants through sustainable agriculture, meticulously tending to these botanical gems that not only have medicinal qualities but also sustain our precious bees. Our dedication not only conserves Lebanon's diverse flora but introduces the world to our unique superfoods.

Nestled in Batroun's Majestic Mountains
Located amidst the captivating mountains of Batroun, Barria has an unwavering passion for rejuvenating Lebanon's rural economy. Our ever-expanding network of partners includes local small businesses, passionate beekeepers, and dedicated farmers from across Lebanon who share our devotion to natural foods.

Respect for Nature's Rhythms
At Barria, we recognize the importance of maintaining nature's delicate equilibrium. Our product lines are synchronized with the natural growth cycles of each plant we harvest, ensuring we ask only what the Earth can generously provide. This philosophy underscores our commitment to quality, allowing us to surprise you with seasonal ingredients and our newest additions: essential oils and hydrosols.

Unlocking Immersive Experiences
Join us for immersive biodiversity and bees workshops, where you'll gain hands-on knowledge about our environment, the world of bees, and the wonders of our ecosystem. Our workshops provide a deeper connection to nature and empower you with the tools for sustainable living.

Nature's Gold from Our Apiaries
At Barria, we take immense pride in our superior apiary products – honey, pollen, propolis, and Royal jelly. These golden treasures are the result of meticulous apiculture practices that uphold the highest standards of quality and sustainability. Our bees thrive in an environment where they can forage freely among indigenous plants, ensuring the purity and authenticity of our honey. We employ ethical beekeeping methods that prioritize the well-being of our pollinators and the preservation of their habitats. The result is a range of premium bee products that not only captivate the senses with their rich flavors but also deliver natural wellness and vitality. When you choose Barria's apiary products, you're not just savoring the finest nature has to offer; you're also supporting responsible apiculture practices that nurture both bees and our planet.

Barria's Bounty Awaits
Our expanded product line now includes exquisite essential oils and hydrosols, each capturing the essence of Lebanon's wilderness. These aromatic treasures are carefully distilled to bring the purity of nature to your daily life.

Experience the essence of Barria Lebanon, where tradition, environment, and the beauty of the Mediterranean converge into an unforgettable journey. Every sip, every scent, and every moment with us tells a story of sustainability, heritage, and the vibrant wilderness of the Mediterranean.

 

 B. St Joseph Monastery - Tomb of Ste Rafqa

Saint Joseph Monastery is situated in a serene, calm and picturesque area in the village of Jrabta, in the Batroun district in North Lebanon. The Monastery is a well-known religious pilgrimage site and houses the remains of Saint Rafqa. Visitors from all over the world flock to the Monastery seeking the intercession and prayers of Saint Rafqa. Basic facilities are available. Besides the Convent, Beit Rafqa, an elderly care facility is located and the Convent owns over 60 bee hives and recently we built a place to manufacture soap.

Benefit of Honey Bees

Honey Bees, those little tiny lovely creatures, that people fear their sting, are one of the world’s most important pollinators for our food crops. Daily, we rely on bees and other pollinators. In addition to their benefits for nature, they are one of the best leaders of a positive life.

In order to learn more about the life of bees, what we can learn from them and the similarities of our lives, you can visit the BEE Kingdom. A peaceful place with a collection of honey bees miniature from many countries.

What to expect during your visit

  • A brief coffee break and ice breaker session
  • Video presentation on the life of the honey bee
  • A comparison between the life in the Monastery and the life in the bee hive
  • A final message on how to BEE Positive
  • A hike to where the bee hives are located.
  • Open a hive and learn first-hand about the hive community and its work.
  • The children will listen to a story written by Sister Lea Lahoud “The Sister and the Bee”
  • Visit to where we manufacture soap and every visitor will have the opportunity to participate in the making of their own bar of soap.
  • Due to the busy life of the Monastery, only one day a month will be open for tours with specific tour times
  • Then I can also show a brief movie about Bee Virtues.
  • For the remainder of the day, visitors can either spend a few hours visiting the Monastery and the Tomb of Saint Rafqa; visit other religious pilgrimage sites in the area or take a short drive to the city of Batroun and explore its rich history and its contemporary life.

 

C. NATURAMIS 

Naturamis - Where Nature and Authenticity Thrive

Naturamis, nestled in the picturesque town of Bejdarfel at an altitude of 400 meters, is more than just a brand; it's a journey into the heart of nature. We are passionate about natural and authentic food production.

Our commitment to preserving nature's wonders and raising awareness about the vital role of bees is encapsulated in our flagship product, "Plan Bee". This delightful snack, crafted with love, features luscious honey, sun-kissed dried fruits, and a selection of thoughtfully chosen ingredients. But it's more than just a healthy treat; it's an educational tool. "Plan Bee" packages come with collectible caps, offering an interactive lesson on the significance of bees and the environment.

During the summer, our bees are busy in the high mountains, collecting nectar from the most pristine blossoms, resulting in the exquisite honey that we use in our products.

But we're not just about bees. At Naturamis, we take pride in producing traditional Lebanese food using time-honored recipes, infused with a modern touch. We strive relentlessly to source the highest quality raw materials, aiming to optimize the utilization of our precious natural resources.

We invite you to step into our world by visiting our cozy kitchen. Here, you can immerse yourself in the "Plan Bee" experience and experiment with and taste all our products. Additionally, we offer workshops on beekeeping, honey production, and traditional mouneh production, suitable for all ages. These workshops can be held not only in our kitchen but also in schools and in collaboration with all parties interested in raising nature awareness.

Naturamis is more than a brand; it's a commitment to nature, authenticity, quality, and knowledge sharing. Join us in this incredible journey, and let's make the world a sweeter, more informed place together.

 

D. Pure farms 

Located in the in northern Lebanon and a part of Batroun district, Pure farms company was shaped.

Pure Farms primarily involves in beekeeping and selling high-quality organic honey. Our company is specialized in sustainable farming practices, habitat preservation, consumer education, and beekeeping traditions.

The product portfolio of the company comprises a wide range of honey variants such as Oak, Eucalyptus, Thyme, Lemon, Cedar Honey and many more beehives extracts in addition to multiple homemade produce “Mouneh” preserving old traditional techniques and authentic recipes.

At our beekeeping sanctuary, we offer a range of exciting activities for those who are keen to immerse themselves in the world of bees and honey. Here's what you can experience:

Honey Tasting
Sample a delightful array of honey varieties, each with its unique flavor profile for free. From the delicate acacia honey to the robust wildflower honey, there's something for every palate.

Bee Observation
Get up close and personal with our industrious honeybees for free. Join our guided tours to witness the mesmerizing hive activities and learn about the crucial role these tiny creatures play in our ecosystem.

Beekeeping Workshops
Dive deep into the art of beekeeping with our expert beekeeper Marcel-Joe Houayek. Our paid workshops, spanning one and a half hours, cover everything from hive maintenance to the fascinating behavior of bees. Gain hands-on experience in handling hives and understanding these remarkable insects for just 8$ a person.

Farm-to-Table Dining
Savor the flavors of locally made dishes during our brunch, breakfast, or lunch sessions. Our farm-to-table meals showcase the best of our region's produce, and you can enjoy them while surrounded by the soothing hum of bees for only 10$ a person.

Free Participation Activities
Join us in the heart of our apiary for free activities like honey extraction and product making. Roll up your sleeves, taste the sweetness of freshly harvested honey, and engage in crafting honey-infused products that you can take home as souvenirs.

Come and be a part of our beekeeping community, where you can learn, taste, and create while surrounded by the magic of bees and the bounty of their hive.