Main Source: Honeydew from Bracatinga ( Mimosa scabrella)
- Taste: molasses, caramelized sugar
- Aroma: earthy, sugar cane-like, musty
- Color: dark red, brownish
- Primary Taste: Earthy
- Texture: smooth, creamy
- Finish: earthy, slightly tart
- Harvest Season: Every two years, from February to July
Every two years, an amazing natural phenomenon occurs. In addition to the nectar produced by the Bracatinga flowers, bees also collect the honeydew produced by sap-sucking insects called cochineals, which live in the bark of the trees. Bees then process this honeydew, just like nectar, and produce Melato. Melato naturally remains liquid for a long time and can be compared to the best European forest honey.
Melato has a high content of minerals and vitamin C.
Melato has been elected best honey in the world four times at the International Federation of Beekeepers' Associations (APIMONDIA).
We love using this honey on fruits like banana. Perfect honey for coffee or use in baking due to its flavor profile. Melato is also highly recommended for marinades.
The Plant
Bracatinga is a tree from the genus Mimosa. It is one of the fastest-growing trees in the world, reaching a height of 15 meters (49ft) tall in only 3 years. Bracatingas are native to the southern regions of Brazil, where they grow in colder humid weather in mixed Araucaria moist forests.
In the cold months in the south, this tree is the only species that supply pollen and nectar in abundance and is therefore very useful for beekeeping.
Because they are highly melliferous, they are widely visited by bees of the genus Apis sp and Trigona sp, which pollinate their flowers in search of honey. The honey of the Bracatinga flower is rare and of a bitter taste, but incredibly medicinal. It acts on the stomach, liver, and intestines. It helps to balance the rate of sugar in the blood. Diabetics and hypoglycemics can use it.
The Region
The relief consists of plains, mountains, valleys, broad floodplains in the basins of the Iguaçu and Jangada Rivers, on the border with the state of Paraná. The area is located in the Iguaçu basin and its tributaries. The climate is predominantly humid mesothermal with an average annual temperature of 16.7 °C (62 °F), with fresh summers averaging 21 °C (69.8 °F) and cold winters averaging 12.6 °C (54 °F). In winter, frosts often occur. The average annual rainfall is 1530 mm.
The primary economic sector in this area is forestry (production of cellulose and furniture) and agriculture. Both activities help reduce rural exodus and generate income for people living on the land.
The region is well known for its natural touristic attractions. One of the most famous is the 'Caminho das Águas": The Water Path. The tourism sector of the municipality has a lot of diversity and structure for tourists. In total, there are 150 waterfalls and rapids that make up the natural scenery of the interior. One of the highlights is Salto do Pintado, 18 km from the central area. With 30 meters of height, it supplies energy to the church bench factory of São Miguel da Serra, one of the most prestigious districts of the municipality. Also worthy of note is the Salto do Rio dos Pardos, 72 meters high. Besides these, many other waterfalls have more wild styles; some are difficult to reach and end up attracting tourists to extreme adventures such as rappelling, trekking, and canoeing.
This honey is:
- Certified Organic
- Raw
- Kosher
- Gluten-Free
- Natural
- No additives or flavoring
- Single-Origin
