In the markets of Cairo, glass jars filled with amber and golden honey showcase one of Egypt’s most valued natural products. From the clover fields of the Nile Delta to the citrus groves of the Nile Valley, each jar tells a story of Egypt’s lands and long-standing apiculture traditions. Beekeeping has been practiced in Egypt since the Fifth Dynasty, Old Kingdom, and remains a central part of rural livelihoods. Generations of Egyptian beekeepers have refined specialized methods to align with flowering seasons and sustain steady yields. As of 2022, the number of beekeepers in Egypt was reported at about 270,000, and the number of apiaries was 10,220. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has 16,000 beekeepers as of 2023, Turkey reportedly has about 80,000 beekeepers as of February 2025, and the United States has between 115,000 and 125,000 beekeepers as of 2024. Egypt’s varied flora offers abundant nectar sources, supporting the production of high-quality honey. With around 300 types of honey worldwide, Egypt’s most famous types include Clover Honey, made from Egyptian clover, widely consumed for its balanced sweetness; Citrus Honey from orange, lemon, and mandarin blossoms, which provides a light, aromatic flavor;…
