SOUTH AFRICA | ZA1, Cosmos | ZA2, Buffalo Thorn | ZA3, Boland Fynbos & Buchu | ZA4, Citrus | ZA5, Aloe Davyana | ZA6, Protea Mundii & Fynbos | ZA7, Northwest Province Bushveld Honey | ZA8, Overberg Fynbos | ZA9, Yellowbox Eucalyptus | ZA10, Alewynspoort Multi-Flora | ZA11, Cat Thorn (Drogie) E. Cape | ZA12, Tsitsakamma Fynbos Honey |
ZA5, Aloe Davyana Honey
|
|
The honey
Aloe Davyana 2025 Harvest: A Lactic Masterpiece
The 2025 Aloe Davyana harvest is a rare jewel in the world of honey. A delicate, enticing, and exquisitely lactic specialty that captivates the senses from first glance to last lingering note. This year, the harvest shines as a mono-floral Aloe, a testament not only to the subtle elegance of the Aloe Davyana flower but also to the precise timing and craftsmanship of its keeper, Hans Steenpoorte. Typically, Aloe Davyana blooms alongside the Karee (Lancea), gifting a blended nectar. Yet in 2025, the bees have delivered a singularly focused expression of Aloe. Its high glucose content results in rapid granulation, forming tiny, uniform crystals that create a soft, pasty texture, melting seamlessly on the tongue. The aroma is compelling and nuanced. The nose is damp with hints of beeswax, underscored by a whisper of sour buttermilk. On the palate, the honey unfolds with lactic restraint, delicate threads of milky fudge, condensed milk, and icing sugar interweaving without overwhelming sweetness. Each taste is almost poetic, a subtle symphony of flavor and terrioir, and carefully balanced. Aloe Davyana is a winter harvest in South Africa, evoking memories of romance, nostalgia, and the quiet artistry of the buzzing ladies who brought it to life. Every spoonful is a reminder that in nature’s smallest creatures lies a mastery that inspires wonder. The beekeeping
Hans Steenpoorte: Beekeeper, Mentor, Artisan Producer.
Hans Steenpoorte’s beekeeping career spans nearly four decades, shaped by an enduring curiosity and passion for the craft. His fascination began in childhood and developed into a vocation during the early 1980s, when he studied widely, built a library of international beekeeping literature, and trained under the mentorship of Norman Capper. Starting with a single hive on his suburban rooftop, he expanded steadily, moving to Midrand in 1988 where he could pursue beekeeping full-time. Renowned as one of South Africa’s few true artisanal honey producers, Hans is meticulous in his methods. He inspects every frame, separates by colour and flavour, and bottles pure, unblended honeys that showcase distinct floral origins. His dedication has earned him numerous awards, from the Rand Easter Show to national competitions, while his honeys are prized for their integrity and depth. A respected voice in the beekeeping community, Hans is also a generous mentor, guiding younger generations with knowledge, care, and craftsmanship. |
