The Bee’s Knees

The Melipona, also known as the Maya bee, is a docile honey-producing bee which is considered a sacred insect in ancient Maya history. The tradition of beekeeping has been disappearing, but recently there has been interest in reviving the craft for the sake of tradition, medicinal purposes, and the opportunity to make an income. This bee has come close to extinction due to deforestation, hurricanes, pesticides, and the competition for nectar, with larger bees taking over their hives. This bee is smaller than the regular honey bee and does not sting. The people tending the bee say that it is soft and sensitive, and that humans should approach it in a peaceful manner.

It produces honey which has high nutritional and medicinal value. The benefits of Melipona honey include antiseptic qualities, which means it can act as a topical antibiotic. The honey has been used in religious ceremonies and traditional medicine by the Maya for thousands of years. It has been used to treat cataracts, conjunctivitis, ear infections, respiratory issues, digestive problems, various skin problems and to reduce scarring. There is no need for protective clothing while attending to this bee since it does not sting.

There are differences in the size of bee colonies and the amount of honey they produce. A European colony can create about 40 liters a year, whereas this bee produces about two to three liters of honey per year. It’s a question of quality, not quantity. It is said that this bee is very selective about the plants that it feeds on. Because of its tiny size, it can feed on small medicinal plants and herbs, avoiding the insecticides and chemicals that are used on larger plants, thus increasing the value of its honey. Along with the bumble bee, it is the only pollinator of the tomato plant. Bees are vital to the ecosystem, and without them as pollinators, we would lose many of the plants in the Yucatan area.

Local families benefit by selling bee products, such as honey and medicinal products, and even high-end spas are creating a demand for stingless bee beauty products. Look for these products in The Honey Store Tulum.