Apiculture In Malta

Apiculture, or as it is commonly known, bee-keeping, is an old tradition in the Maltese Islands. The Greeks referred to Malta as "Melite" (Ìåëßôç) which translates to "honey".

This name was also used under the Romans though was changed to 'Malta" during the Arab rule. It is believed that the Phoenicians had introduced beekeeping to the Maltese Islands which also continued during the Roman occupation.

Apiculture is the keeping of honey bee colonies, commonly in hives for the purpose of collecting honey and other products such as beeswax, propolis, pollen, and royal jelly.

The Maltese Islands have their own indigenous honey bee which, after centuries of breeding and colonization, has adapted well to the local climate and environment. One biological feature of the Maltese bee, which is small and relatively dark in colour, is that it lays eggs throughout all the seasons.

Different types of honey are found in Malta, with each type being attributed to different flowers and trees, thereby giving each honey a distinct colour, taste and properties.