Salty-sweet flavoured mangrove honey: The pride of Kenya’s Coast
Coastal counties, especially Lamu, are renowned for having a large number of mangrove forests due to their proximity to the Indian Ocean.
Honey is a common delicacy that people throughout the world have been using because of its diverse health benefits.
Honey is a sweet liquid produced by bees using nectar from flowers, and people all over the world have been using it for centuries.
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In the Coast region, however, people are proud because of having honey that has a unique taste.
When you visit coastal counties like Lamu, Kwale and others, especially those surrounded by the vast Indian Ocean, you are likely to spot people enjoying mangrove honey, which is known for its distinctive salty-sweet taste.
But why is the coastal honey salty despite the common belief that such a delicacy is always sweet?
Abdalla Swaleh, a local honey harvester on Pate Island on Lamu East, says the salty-sweet flavour felt while eating mangrove honey is a result of the high salinity of the mangrove ecosystem and the unique nectar sources provided by the mangrove trees.
Abdalla further states that mangrove honey is produced by honey bees feeding on the nectar of mangrove blossoms.
“You must bear in mind that mangroves themselves are coastal ecosystems, meaning they are exposed to saltwater which generally contributes to the salinity of the honey. The combination of the sweet nectar from the mangrove flowers and the salty influence of the coastal environment results in the characteristic salty-sweet flavour of mangrove honey,” explained Abdalla.
Beehives inside a mangrove forest on Pate Island in Lamu East. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)
Rafa Aboud, another local honey harvester on Pate Island, notes that another factor contributing to the Coastal honey tasting salty is the specific types of mangrove trees and other plants that bees are foraging from the area.
Rafa, however, called on honey lovers to embrace consuming mangrove honey, terming it the cleanest.
“Remember, mangrove forests are natural environments free from residues of plant protection chemicals and chemical fertilisers. Eating mangrove honey is safer compared to any other type,” said Rafa.
She insists that due to its unique flavour and quality, mangrove honey is often in high demand.
Despite honey generally having sweet qualities, Lamu residents still believe that mangrove honey is the sweetest compared to the rest.
Mangroves are types of trees or shrubs that grow in salt water, especially on the beaches of tropical regions.
Coastal counties, especially Lamu, are renowned for having a large number of mangrove forests due to their proximity to the Indian Ocean.
Elder Twaha Omar, 78, a resident of Lamu East Sub-County, says due to the presence of many mangroves and flowers, it is easier for bees to produce abundant honey with the necessary nutrients in a shorter period.
Rich-dark colour
“We love mangrove honey. It has a rich-dark colour, unlike honey from other products. Apart from its sweetness, the rich blend of mangrove honey greatly helps us health-wise as we use it as a natural remedy for various ailments,” said Twaha.
He added, “So far, I have tasted almost all types of honey in my life. You will even find that there is bitter honey, especially the one that bees make from the flowers of trees such as neem. But this one from mangroves has obsessed me because of its natural, salty-sweet flavour. Very unique.”
Medics and nutrition experts interviewed by The Eastleigh Voice described honey as an important diet that has lots of fundamental benefits, especially for human beings.
Duncan Amani Chai, a consultant doctor and nutritionist at Bluenile Mkoroshoni Medical Centre in Kilifi County, cites honey as a quick solution to heal wounds, especially those attributed to bed-ridden patients who have to sleep or stay in a static position for long periods.
Dr Chai maintains that honey heals wounds and burns effectively.
He says he has testimonials, especially from the various clients who have been flocking to his clinic for wounds and burns check-ups and treatment.
“I have witnessed patients with chronic wounds getting healed just by the use of honey. We have washed their wounds and applied honey to them. Honey dries and even heals wounds and burns very quickly. It is a basic wound treatment,” said Chai.
Nancy Maganga, a clinician, says honey also helps to prevent or ward off acid reflux.
“People should understand that honey can help the oesophagus and stomach by reducing the upward flow of stomach acid and undigested food. The upward flow of stomach acid always leads to gastroesophageal reflux disease, which can involve inflammation, acid reflux and heartburn,” said Maganga.
The clinician says that honey also helps to relieve cold and cough symptoms.
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