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What is Mad Honey?

An ancient honey that radiates luxury, purity, and rare exclusivity. Our mad honey comes from the land of unwavering beauty and bravery. Gathered from rosy rhododendron flowers, it nurtures a healthy and hearty you.

Mad Honey

The Origins of Mad Honey

What makes mad honey truly special is its rare and limited supply. Found in Nepal and Turkey, it seamlessly blends two rich and one-of-a-kind cultures. Only these two countries can proudly share their dearly hidden treasures with the world.

The mountainous country is renowned for its wild mad honey, harvested at elevations exceeding 3,000 meters, while Turkey produces its mad honey from carefully cherished hives in the Black Sea region, where around 75% of the country’s rhododendron blooms thrive.

Mad Honey from Nepal: A Himalayan Treasure

Nepal is home to various untold stories, unsung heroes, and unparalleled beauty. The white Himalayas secretly hold magical wonders within them. Among these hidden treasures are the Gurungs, who are often underestimated as real-life warriors. Without giving in to any temptation for comfort, they have successfully kept their traditional honey hunting practice and honey in its pure and pristine form. 

The warmth of the honey reminds us of the cozy nature of its country's people. Our mad honey from Nepal is a true sole superhero that describes the best in its truest essence.

Mad Honey from Turkey: A Taste of Anatolia

Turkey undeniably has the best interesting anecdotes when it comes to mad honey. From using it as a brutal plot twist to trading it for gold coins, the Turkish have walked a myriad of journeys. 

Known as Deli Bal in Turkey, it feeds on the nectar of Rhododendron luteum and Rhododendron ponticum in the Caucasus region. The Turkish mad honey has a hint of nostalgic Anatolia that offers a creation of several taste buds.

How is Mad Honey Made?

Mad honey is made by honeybees that collect nectar primarily from certain species of rhododendron flowers, which contain grayanotoxins, the compounds responsible for the honey's psychoactive and toxic effects. Here's how the process works:

Step 1

Step 1

Bee Foraging: Nature’s Treasure Hunt

In areas where rhododendrons grow, especially in the mountains of Nepal and Turkey, bees actively gather nectar. These flowers are essential because they contain grayanotoxins, which make mad honey unique compared to regular honey.

Step 2

Step 2

Processing Nectar: The Secret Magic of Honey Making

Once collected, bees return to their hives and place the nectar into honeycomb cells. Through a careful process of regurgitation, natural enzymes, and dehydration, the nectar transforms into the thick, golden honey we know.

Step 3

Step 3

Toxin Concentration: The Essence of Unique Power

As the nectar is turned into honey, the grayanotoxins become more concentrated, giving mad honey its unique qualities and potential health benefits. This characteristic can vary based on the specific flowers and environmental conditions.

Step 4

Step 4

The Thrill of Harvesting: A Journey to Collect Mad Honey

Mad honey is harvested from hives found in high-altitude areas. Skilled honey hunters often scale cliffs to reach wild hives, while in Turkey, it is more commonly collected from beekeepers’ hives.

Hidden Secret of Himalayas

Highly skilled honey hunters gather this rare honey from the heart of nature. It blends the purity of towering mountains with the untamed spirit of the wild. Each drop of mad honey reflects its deep connection to the natural world, drawn from the earth’s rich essence, offering warmth and healing to those who seek it.

Mad Honey

Borrowed from Nature

Immensely skilled honey-hunting artisans collect the rare honey from the lap of nature. It is an amalgamation of pristine mountains and the essence of the wild. Each drop of mad honey speaks volumes of its origin that is truly innate to nature.

Key Characteristics of Mad Honey

The buzzing honey is set apart from the rest of the delicacies because of its special features. Discover the quirks of the honey, which has been celebrated and approached with caution for centuries.

Psychedelic Effect

Grayanotoxin is one ingredient that comprises the eccentricity of the honey. The rhododendron flowers contribute to the psychedelic effects of honey. It is the only honey known to soothe nerves and alleviate stress, keeping you at ease and peace.

Naturally Harvested

Following an old-age tradition passed down from their ancestors, Gurung community hunts for honey without any additional tools. As a result, mad honey is 100% pure without any additives.

Rarely Available

Only spring and autumn is favorable for the collection of authentic honey. Due to its collection only twice a year, plus the intense process, mad honey is rarely available.

Harvested Like No Others

The journey of harvesting honey from hive to jar is an outcome of unwavering dedication. Our fearless honey hunters risk their lives scaling the frightening cliffs with minimal equipment to collect the nectar. The remote location, intense process, and fewer men make the entire honey hunting exciting and alarming.

Fearless Gurungs

When a boy takes birth in the Gurung community, he has a close friendship with the red honey and bees. And, when he is barely ten, he goes with his father, grandfather, or uncles to witness the complete adventure of honey hunting. 

From his early days, he has adopted a strong belief to save his culture, and 'saving his culture' now has become his only way to put bread on the table.

Mad Honey

Giant Nectar Loving
Honeybees

Apis Dorsata Labiorasa or as the locals call it, “The Giant Honeybee”, is the world’s largest honey bee with stings even fiercer. The giant colonies of honeybees guard their mad honey dearly. Hence, a little reckless step towards them, they feel rage. 

As a result, we all can imagine what happens next - the stingers attack the group of honey hunters with their pricking bites.

Mad Honey

Cultural and Norms

Rooted in ancient Gurung tradition, mad honey symbolizes the brave tales of hunting men. Honey hunting practice has been taught from generation to generation. It’s not just a means of livelihood; it gives their lives purpose and meaning. No Gurung ceremony or tradition feels complete without the presence of mad honey, making it a cherished symbol of their culture.

Chemical Composition of Mad Honey: Graynotoxin, Vitamins, Minerals and Medicinal Properties

While any natural honey offers its share of health benefits, mad honey stands apart due to its unique blend of compounds. It’s not just about sweetness—it’s about what lies within. Grayanotoxins I-III, phenolic compounds, glucose, and essential minerals are what make it powerful.

Mad Honey

Medicinal Mad Honey Starter Pack

Premium Mad Honey | 250 g | 8.8 oz $120.00

We are giving $10 discount on this starter pack of 250 gram Medicinal Mad Honey. Try it now!

Premium Mad Honey