Adopt a Beehive in Abruzzo

3Bee is the Nature Tech company that develops technologies for the protection of biodiversity. 3Bee Hive-Tech is 3Bee's first system for analysing the health and 'starvation' status of honeybees, environmental pests par excellence. Over time, we have developed other technologies to study and monitor all the pollinating insects and created more than 200 Oases of Biodiversity with thousands of nectariferous plants to provide them with nourishment. Thus, we want to create a virtuous circle: our beekeepers are transformed by necessity into Oasis growers and promoters of environmental biodiversity. We do not encourage massive production and intensive breeding, which have a negative impact on biodiversity and pollinators. We do, however, recognise the value of honey as a valuable symbol of the biodiversity of an environment and a tool for disseminating the commitment and protection of an area, to be consumed sparingly and with respect for the life cycle of these insects.

Today we are in Abruzzo, in a beautiful land where we find both the sea and important natural parks along the Apennines. In this region, beekeeping is considered a very important activity, rich in history and tradition. The territory is particularly favourable to the development of our beekeeping, both in terms of climate and geography. It is precisely these aspects and the wide availability of a varied and diverse flora that allow for the production of several types of monofloral honey, some of them extremely rare and prized, that are only produced in this region, such as the honey of stregonia and savory. These very special honeys are produced above 850 metres above sea level, especially in certain areas such as the Gran Sasso and Sirente Velino massifs. In order to make the most of the region's great floral variety, nomadism is often practised.

The Azienda Agricola Abbaprid has almost 100 years of activity in the beekeeping sector behind it. Its history, in fact, begins in the early 1900s and continues to the present day. Located in Abruzzo, their bees enjoy both the proximity of the sea and the mountains, being within the Majella National Park. Their honey therefore has a special taste, a clear expression of the territory in which it is produced. To guarantee the highest quality, it does not undergo any kind of industrial alteration, only the honey collected from the honeycombs is cold extracted, without damaging the nest. The use of non-invasive beekeeping techniques and this special attention to the biorhythms of bees and the biodiversity of the territory makes the company a true excellence. The passion for bees and the connection with nature is what drives all beekeepers, according to Alfredo and Rosanna.

The apiculture Colle Salera is a family business, located in Pratola Peligna, in the province of L'Aquila. Walter started his business in 1978, later followed by his sons, who still work in the family business today. Their bees collect the precious nectar from the flowers and their pollen in the Majella National Park. The great variety of wild flora and the richness of this natural environment result in an absolutely unique honey. Among the types of honey produced by this beekeeping enterprise are the sainfoin, the marruca, the stregonia and the santoreggia, the flagships of Abruzzo production.

The beekeeping company Dolce Lavanda is located in Pescina, the famous city of honey. This evocative location is close to two very important parks, the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park and the Sirente-Velino Regional Park. It is here that the company seeks the production of excellent local honey, which can only be produced in purity in this region, including Slow Food Presidium honeys: stregonia and santoreggia. To these are also added the millefiori, acacia and chestnut.