By Fateeha Zmamoush (with photos)
ALGIERS, July 25 (KUNA) -- People by the hundreds flocked to the Honey and Beehive Products Exhibition held in the capital, Algiers, on Saturday, organized by the Algerian Beekeepers Union.
The exhibition, which continues until 30 July, presented guidelines and clarifications into the procedure of beekeeping and the various products which arise from the process.
Producers also showcase their products under more competitive prices in the open air bazaar, held close to the General Union of Algerian Workers headquarters.
Some 150 companies and independent entities from various Algerian provinces offered their pure honey extracted from various flower, orange blossom and Seder nectar.
From the Bouira province, came Al-Sarhan Mohammed, a producer of Eucalyptus and Forest honey. The first he said, "is known to cure breathing, kidney and throat ailments," while the latter "has been proven to protect heart muscles of damage and stress." "Beekeeping requires a serious approach, and patience," said Mohammed, who carries out the function as a sole source of income.
Mohammed also talked of the important role, bees assume in the fertilization of fruit bearing trees.
Mohammed Bo Ali from Blida province explained that Algeria is known for its North African Honey, which is a honey produced by African bees known as Apis mellifera intermissa.
He said there were three seasons in which the honey was produced; a Spring season (March-June) which is regarded the most generous, a Summer season (June-August) which witnesses the highest quality of produce due to the presence of Eucalyptus, Seder and Rue, and an Autumn season (August-late September) which is the least producing season, yet sees a huge transfer of pollen by bees.
Bo Ali added that honey has a low consumption rate in Algeria (200-300g yearly per person) when compared to the average consumption rate of Europeans (3.5kg yearly per person).
The Algerian Beekeepers Union estimates that 20,000 beehives in the country produce around 18,000 tonnes of honey on annual basis. (end) ft.sd KUNA 252341 Jul 09NNNN