Introduction
Did you know that honey has been used for over 8,000 years as a natural remedy? Or the fact that it has minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants that processed sugar simply cannot match? Honey is more than simply a sweetener; it's a tale of sustainability, nature, and nurture. Honey is one of the main ingredients in our cold brew tea at Baridi Brew, not only because it tastes good but also because it symbolizes the balance between nature and humanity. We're pleased to share its journey from hive to bottle, and it's a healthier and more environmentally friendly substitute for refined sugar.
The Sweet Science of Honey
Honey has several health advantages in addition to being a delicious treat. Honey includes polyphenols, which are antioxidants that have been shown to have positive effects on heart health and inflammation. Consuming honey has been shown to lower LDL (the "bad") cholesterol and raise HDL (the "good") cholesterol, according to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition. Because honey has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar, which raises blood sugar levels, it releases energy more steadily. Because of this, it's a better option for people who want sweetness without the crash.
The advantages of honey, however, extend beyond the person. It is the result of the complex ecology found in nature. Bees pollinate plants as they travel up to five miles to gather nectar from flower petals. The environment is maintained and biodiversity is supported by this process. By selecting honey, we're contributing to a life cycle that benefits all of us, not simply making our tea sweeter.
Where Our Honey Comes From
Sustainability and openness are important to us at Baridi Brew. For this reason, we source our honey from the Nyuki Women Self-Help Group, a regional vendor who collects their honey from beekeepers in Baringo, Laikipia, Kajiado, West Pokot, and even Tanzania.After collection, the honey is rigorously tested in a laboratory to ensure its purity and natural quality. It is then supplied to their clients, including us.
Our partnership goes beyond sourcing high-quality honey—it’s about creating a lasting impact. By working with the Nyuki Women Self-Help Group, we not only help preserve bee populations but also empower women in their communities. Through honey production, the Nyuki group creates value-added goods that generate income and enhance the quality of life for local women. They also provide education on ethical beekeeping practices, ensuring the protection of bees and their ecosystems for future generations.
Why the Changing Taste and Colors of Baridi Brews
Through regular interactions with our teas, you may notice variations in taste and color from time to time. This is not a flaw but a feature. Honey is a living, natural product, and its flavor, color, and texture are influenced by the flowers bees visit, the season, and even the region where it’s harvested. As a result, every batch of our cold brew tea carries the unique imprint of its botanical origins, creating subtle variations that make each sip a one-of-a-kind experience.
Scientifically, this variability is due to the diverse nectar sources bees collect from. Depending on the time of year and the environment, honey can range from light golden and delicately floral to deep amber and richly robust. Unlike refined sugar, which is heavily processed to achieve uniformity, honey remains raw and unaltered, preserving the essence of the flowers and the environment it comes from. At Baridi Brews, we celebrate this natural variability as a reminder of nature’s ever-changing beauty.
Conclusion
So, why honey? Because it’s more than a sweetener—it’s a story of health, sustainability, and connection. It’s a choice that honors the bees, the beekeepers, and the planet. And it’s a choice that makes every sip of Baridi Brews special.
Next time you enjoy our cold brew tea, take a moment to appreciate the journey of the honey in your cup. It’s a journey that starts with a flower, a bee, and a commitment to doing better—for ourselves and for the world.