Beekeepers gear up for Al Baram season

MUSCAT: It is mid-April, and the scene is set for Al Baram honey season in Oman. The popular trees of Oman, Al Samr (Acacia tortilis) and Al Salam (Acacia ehrenbergiana) trees have begun to bloom. For beekeepers, this is the most critical time of the year.
As the spherical 'puffball' flowers open, the scent fills the air and is often strongest in the early morning and late afternoon. Acacia flowers are called Baram and are important for Omani honey; elsewhere in the world they are used in perfumery as well.
The bees are active at this stage.
Mohammed al Baadi, a beekeeper, explained that the bees take honey from samar tree flowers, which are white in colour.
'The yellow flowers, which are from the Al Salam tree, prompt the bees to go to them only for pollination,' he said. The nectar collected right now produces Al Baram honey, which is dark, thick, and famous for its medicinal properties.
The recent rains ensure the trees have enough internal moisture that could result in abundant nectar.

The acacia trees are found across wadis and mountain tops. The bees have competition because camels and goats are also fond of the high-protein flowers and new green shoots, making it a popular fodder.
'We will now take our beehive to mountaintops or places that have a high concentration of acacia trees. The Al Baram season begins in mid to late April to May. It lasts for three to four weeks. The rains resulted in the sprouting of the fresh leaves, but usually for the flowers to bloom, there is a need for strong wind and higher temperatures where the leaves fall and flowers thrive,' noted Al Baadi.
One of the places known to produce the best of Al Baram honey is the mountainous regions of Al Dhahirah Governorate.
According to Al Baadi, 'The quality of honey produced there is one of the best and is attributed to the high temperature prevalent over the mountains there.' The Baram honey produced in the coastal area is lighter. We are in Saham, and we take our beehive to the mountains. If the season continues, we might take our bees to Al Dhahirah, but we have to take permits as there are strict administrative processes to follow while moving bees from one governorate to another.' He also explained that the bees are already up in the mountains, as the rains have also made other wildflowers bloom. This year’s rain suggests a 'vintage' year for Omani honey.