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Production of honey in Veracel’s eucalyptus plantations reaches 12 tons - 05.28.03
Nearly 12 tons of honey will be produced this year from beehives in proximity to Veracel’s eucalyptus plantations in Eunápolis and neighboring towns. The company allows local beekeepers to set up hives on its land in order for bees to deposit nectar they collect from flowers for the production of honey. There are some 500 beehives located on the company’s property.
Beekeeping associated with eucalyptus plantations is greatly appreciated by specialists in the business. “We produce honey that is 100% organic, with a high degree of purity,” says beekeeper Sérgio Ferrari. This occurs, he says, “because eucalyptus cultivation requires only small amounts of pesticides, which leaves no chemical residues on the product.” Ferrari has had beehives in the region for the past four years. With 105 honey collection boxes installed, he expects to harvest two tons of honey in 2003.
Besides good quality, the yield obtained by the beekeepers is considered to be high. Forestry engineer Danilo Sette of Veracel explains that “the planting technique adopted by the company, using spacing of 5 x 2.4 meters per plant, permits better penetration of the rays of the sun and greater flowering of the trees.” As a result, the bees have a richer source of nectar to collect.
“Beekeeping is an activity that has been intensifying in the region, despite the fact that the local population still has not awoken to the benefits of the consumption of honey,” according to another producer, Dilson Goeking. He said that the major portion of regional production goes to other markets, including export. “Currently, Brazil exports to Germany and the United States,” he said. Part of the production obtained on Veracel’s lands is transferred to the company, which distributes honey to its employees and visitors.
Crystallization
The beekeepers explain that one of the characteristics of quality honey is crystallization. “For lack of knowledge about the subject, many people reject honey that has been crystallized, believing that it is not of good quality,” according to Ferrari. “It is the pure honey that crystallizes,” adds Goeking.
Ferrari offers some suggestions on how to identify good quality honey. “Just place a finger of anhydride alcohol (common alcohol) in a cup, together with a spoon of honey and wait for a few seconds. If the honey sinks to the bottom of the cup, it is good quality,” he says. In the event there is crystallization, what should be done is to put the pot of honey in a double boiler on a low flame for 30 minutes. When the honey melts, turn off the burner and let the pot stand for several more minutes in warm water. “Do not expose the honey to the sun to de-crystallize it, because this alters its nutritive properties,” the beekeeper warned.