Organic Forest Honey from Zambia

When former Peace Corps volunteers Jennifer and Keith Gelber discovered organic honey made by wild forest bees in the remote forests of Zambia, they immediately wanted to export it back to America. But it wasn’t simply in the interest of making a profit. Just as important was the impact the business could have on Zambia’s small-scale farmers and its vital forest ecosystem. Their mission was two-fold: bring a superior product to the American marketplace while benefitting its suppliers and natural resources.

The Gelbers named their product Zambezi 100% Organic Forest Honey. The raw, unfiltered honey is never heated above hive temperature, which results in the preservation of healthful properties like antioxidants and bioflavonoids. It comes with the USDA Organic Seal and delivers complex flavors with hints of toasted caramel and red currant.

The honey is fairly-traded and helps prevent deforestation and sustain beekeeping in the remote Miombo forests of Zambia. In addition, the Gelbers directly donate a portion of the company’s profits to support community development projects in Zambia, including aid in malaria prevention, HIV/AIDS education, school scholarships and rural-income generation grants.

Zambezi Organic Forest Honey ($5.99, 80 grams) is available at natural food stores and independent grocers nationwide, at Whole Foods and at Wegman’s in the northeast. It’s also available online at www.zambezihoney.com.  –Kara Mayer Robinson

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