Some honeys are named after a flower. Do'ani honey is named after a place: Wadi Do'an, a valley in the Hadhramaut region of southern Yemen. Here is a short guide to the valley, the people who keep bees there, and the honey that comes from it.
Where is Wadi Do'an?
Wadi Do'an is a long, deep valley in Hadhramaut, in southern Yemen. It is known for its mud-brick villages built along the valley walls, its date palms, and its Sidr trees. A "wadi" is a valley or dry riverbed.
The Sidr tree
The Sidr tree (Ziziphus spina-christi) is a hardy, thorny tree that grows well in dry places. It flowers for a short season, and bees that feed on its blossom make Sidr honey. Read the story of the Sidr tree to learn more.
How the honey is harvested
In Hadhramaut, many beekeepers are nomadic. They move their hives from place to place to follow the flowers through the seasons. When the Sidr trees bloom, the hives are placed nearby, and the honey is harvested by hand at the end of the season. The amounts are small, which is one reason the honey is so prized.
The Balqees Raw Yemeni Sidr Do'ani Honey comes from this valley and is raw and unpasteurised. Sidr Balqees comes from a remote part of the same Do'an Valley.
What does Wadi Do'an honey taste like?
| Sidr Do'ani | Sidr Balqees | |
|---|---|---|
| Taste | Rich, aromatic, caramel and butterscotch | Complex, delicately sweet, long floral finish |
| Texture | Thick and smooth | Very thick |
How to choose real Wadi Do'an honey
- The label should name Wadi Do'an or the Do'an Valley.
- Ingredients should be 100% honey.
- It should be sold as raw.
- Buy from a seller who can tell you about the harvest and stands behind it. Balqees offers a purity guarantee.
How to enjoy it
Taste it on its own first, from a spoon. Then try it over yoghurt, with warm bread, or with Yemeni dishes like Bint Al Sahn. Keep the jar closed at room temperature, away from direct sun.
Frequently asked questions
Is Wadi Do'an honey the same as Do'ani honey?
Yes. Do'ani means "from Do'an", so Do'ani honey is honey from Wadi Do'an.
Does Wadi Do'an honey crystallise?
It can, slowly. This is natural for raw honey. Warm the closed jar in warm water to soften it.
Can I cook with it?
You can, but you will taste more of it when you add it to food after cooking.
Why is it more expensive than other honeys?
The Sidr season is short and the harvest is small. Read why Yemeni honey costs more.
Taste the valley with Raw Yemeni Sidr Do'ani Honey, delivered across the UAE.
