Sidr honey takes its name from the Sidr tree, which has a long place in the food and cultural traditions of the Middle East. Its flowers provide nectar for bees, while the honey varies with the region and harvest.
The Sidr tree
Sidr honey comes from the flowers of the Sidr tree or Ziziphus Spina-Christi, its botanical name. It’s known by other names including the Jujube, Lote or Christ’s thorn tree. It’s an evergreen that grows in coastal, desert, and semi-desert areas. It is native to parts of Africa and Asia and you can find it in India, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Egypt, Libya, Sudan, and the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula. It also grows in parts of Yemen where honey is a deep rooted part of the culture and Sidr honey is often known as Yemen honey. It is a sturdy and deep-rooted tree which can withstand adverse weather conditions like drought and floods. The average tree size is between 7-8 metres high, the flowers are yellow and the fruits are round, yellowish turning to a reddish colour when mature.
The history and culture of the Sidr tree
In the Quran the Sidr Tree is one of the plants of Paradise and is referenced to emphasize its beauty, strength and grandeur. The fruit of the tree was the first thing Prophet Adam (PBUH) ate when he was made to descend to earth because of its great source of energy. The tree was used during the time of King Suleiman (PBUH) and the Pharaohs used it to build palaces and temples. It is believed by many that the ‘Crown of Thorns’ as described in the Bible worn by Jesus at his crucifixion was made from the branches of this tree.
Sidr leaves as a part of the cultural heritage of the United Arab Emirates. Al Hemyan is an oral history project helping create a digital archive for public exhibits and art in Abu Dhabi. Hamda Al Bu Falah, a contributor, and student of the New York University said, "The last generation that I think used Al Sidr leaves was my great-grandmother. It would have been used as shampoo or body wash. The story goes that they used to pick the leaves, grind them and mix them with water when it becomes a sort of soap. We have so much today compared with a few generations back. Al Sidr leaves make me look at what we have right now and how far we have come."
Powdered Al Sidr can still be purchased in herbal shops today and forms the basic ingredient of Oman's Sidr range of herbal shampoos.
Traditional uses of the Sidr tree
Sidr fruit, leaves and wood have had different uses in regional traditions. Historical accounts of remedies are cultural history, not evidence that the tree or its honey treats illness. In particular, a suspected snakebite requires urgent medical attention, not a plant remedy.
Raw Yemeni Sidr honey
Yemeni Sidr honey is valued for its origin and distinctive flavour. The Do’ani name refers to honey associated with Wadi Doan in Hadramaut. A regional name describes provenance; it does not establish a medical grade or a nutritional advantage over every other honey.
The taste of Yemeni Sidr honey
Balqees Yemeni Sidr Do’ani honey has a rich flavour with caramel and butterscotch notes. These tasting notes refer specifically to Do’ani; other Sidr honeys have their own profiles. Taste a small amount on its own before pairing it with bread, yoghurt or cheese.
Yemeni honey remains central to Balqees, reflecting founder Riath Hamed’s Yemeni roots and his interest in the people and places behind each variety.
The next time you taste Sidr honey, consider the tree, the flowering season and the beekeeper’s work behind the jar.
Let us know what you think of our Sidr honeys.
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