COSTA RICA | Cr1, Keytan |

Cr1, Keytan Honey from the Guanacaste region

The honey

Honey from the Blue Zone Origin and Harvest.
This honey comes from the Guanacaste region, a recognized Blue Zone area. It corresponds to the third harvest of the season. Notably, this year has been slightly drier than previous years, which may have influenced the honey’s characteristics.

Analytical Data

• pH: 4.2
• Electrical Conductivity (EC): 0.7 dS/m
• Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): 340 ppm
• Salt Content: 470 ppm
• Moisture: 19%
• The honey demonstrates the ability to transform and absorb some ultraviolet (UV) light.

The measured pH of 4.2 indicates that the honey is moderately acidic, which is typical for natural honey. Acidity plays an important role in honey’s flavor profile and its ability to inhibit microbial growth. However, compared to last year’s batch, the current honey exhibits a slightly lower pH, suggesting a potential shift in floral sources or environmental stress due to the drier season. The electrical conductivity (0.7 dS/m) and TDS (340 ppm) are moderate, indicating a balanced mineral and organic content. These values are slightly higher than those reported last year, which is consistent with the fact that plants under drought conditions often produce nectar with increased mineral concentration. The salt content (470 ppm) remains within an acceptable range, confirming that the honey maintains its quality without excessive salinity that could negatively impact flavor. The moisture level of 19% is within the ideal range for high-quality honey, ensuring good stability and reducing the risk of fermentation. Additionally, the honey’s ability to absorb and transform UV light hints at the presence of complex organic molecules and antioxidants, enhancing its functional properties beyond basic nutrition. This characteristic could be valuable for marketing the honey as a high-antioxidant, functional food.

• The honey from Guanacaste’s third harvest maintains good quality, with desirable acidity, moisture, and mineral balance.
• Slightly lower pH and higher conductivity/TDS compared to last year suggest that drier climatic conditions influenced the nectar composition.
• The 19% moisture content ensures stability and quality during storage.
• The ability to transform and absorb UV light indicates a rich presence of bioactive compounds, potentially enhancing the honey’s antioxidant profile.
• Overall, the honey remains a high-quality product, well-suited for health-conscious markets interested in artisanal and functional foods.

The Beekeeping

Our Beekeeping Story Our journey into beekeeping began in 2017 when, as a couple (Baltodano – González), we received the wonderful news that we were expecting our first child, whom we named KEYTAN. Motivated by the desire to provide for our family and build a promising future, we started this path with just two hives — a gift that marked the beginning of our apiary. With dedication and hard work, we have grown year after year, facing challenges such as climate change and learning from each season.

Today, after more than 8 years in the beekeeping world, we manage an apiary of 300 hives located in the Nicoya Peninsula, Guanacaste, Costa Rica — in the renowned BLUE ZONE, one of the purest and longest-living regions in the world. Our bees collect nectar from a rich diversity of native flowers and trees, such as Gallinazo (Schizolobium parahyba), Laurel (Laurus nobilis), Saino (Cenostigma eriostachys), Bejuco Churristate (Ipomoea ramosissima), Corteza Amarillo (Tabebuia ochracea), Oak (Quercus robur), Papaturro (Coccoloba caracasana), Cenízaro (Samanea saman), and Guanacaste (Enterolobium cyclocarpum). This biodiversity gives our honey its unique and exquisite profile.

Our harvesting, extraction, and packaging process is 100% artisanal. We carry out every step as a family, with care and respect for the bees and nature, ensuring that every jar delivers 100% pure, high-quality honey to the palate. Today, we proudly serve top-tier clients such as Nekajui Ritz Carlton, Marriott Vacation Club, Punta Islita Autograph Collection, as well as renowned restaurants, convenience stores, and bakeries in the country’s most prestigious areas and near our apiary. Thanks to the trust and preference of our customers, we sell 100% of our harvest every year, responding to a high demand that inspires us to keep growing. 

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