Fir

Value for beekeeping

Fir is wind-pollinated and gives no nectar. Its value comes from the honeydew left by large bark aphids (mainly Cinara species) feeding on its branches and trunk. In Turkey the main species are the subspecies of Abies nordmanniana (including Uludağ fir and Kazdağı fir) and Taurus fir, Abies cilicica.

Honeydew season

Flowering takes place in April-May; the main flow runs from late June to August, starting once aphid numbers build up. Hot days with cool, humid nights increase honeydew; long drought or heavy downpours stop the flow. Yields vary greatly from year to year.

Honey

Fir honey is dark amber with a greenish sheen, less sweet than blossom honey, with a resinous, malty taste. It is high in minerals and oligosaccharides and usually stays liquid for a long time.

Note for the beekeeper

Monitor aphid numbers by shaking the branches or looking for shiny droplets on the needles. Honeydew honey left as winter stores can cause dysentery in long winters; leaving blossom honey or syrup for the winter is safer.