A beekeeper inspects a bee hive tray that is ready for harvest. VNA/VNS Photo Danh Lam

Lục Ngạn District in the northern province of Bắc Giang is known as the land of lychee with more than 22,000 hectares of orchards. Together with a mild climate all year round, the locality has ideal conditions to produce one of the best types of honey Việt Nam – lychee honey.

Lychee blossom nectar has a golden colour and the fragrance of lychee flowers. VNA/VNS Photo Danh Lam

As soon as the lychee trees in the district bloom with white clusters of flowers from February to mid-April, beekeepers from not only Bắc Giang Province but also across the country gather in the local orchards to harvest the precious drops of honey.

Beehive trays are in almost all orchards in Lục Ngạn District. VNA/VNS Photo Danh Lam

According to Lâm Văn Tiền who has been working as a beekeeper for over 20 years, the high productivity and good quality honey requires necessary natural conditions like dry weather, healthy bee colonies and most importantly, an abundance of lychee flowers.

Beehive trays must be placed in cool and hygienic areas that are free of pesticides and growth stimulants to prevent the sensitive insects from dying on being exposed to toxic chemicals, he said.

Raising bees for honey has brought a significant source of income to locals. VNA/VNS Photo Danh Lam

Lục Ngạn lychee honey is considered as one of the most delicious and nutritious types in Việt Nam. The nectar is lightly sweet with shiny golden colour and typical fragrance of lychee flowers. Sold at an average price of VNĐ80,000-100,000 per litre, depending on its quality and type of bee, the sweet flavour of lychee honey has brought beekeepers in the district a significant source of income every year. VNS

A bee collects pollen from lychee flowers. VNA/VNS Photo Danh Lam