Updated | Discover the In-Naħla Katerina Maltese Honey Trilogy – Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee

A new and exciting chapter in the conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee is unfolding with the forthcoming launch of a limited-edition honey collection, each presented in a 100g jar and inspired by the mascot of the beloved children’s music trilogy, In-Naħla Katerina. This unique line of seasonal honey not only celebrates Malta’s rich natural biodiversity but also brings together storytelling, education, and apiculture in one beautifully crafted offering. Each box features a QR code linking to the playlist of the trilogy’s songs, creating an immersive experience for families and honey lovers alike. The first release is the Spring Edition—a sweet tribute to Malta’s blooming landscapes and its endemic honey bee.

Each honey in this collectible series represents a seasonal harvest and is paired with a song from the trilogy—In-Naħla Katerina, Festin Għad-Dakkara, and the forthcoming In-Naħla u Sħabha. Together, they form a vibrant tribute to the Maltese Honey Bee (Apis mellifera ruttneri), Malta’s National Insect, and the importance of preserving its unique genetic heritage.

These special edition honeys will be presented in custom-designed boxes, each one based on the artwork and visual themes of the respective song, making them highly collectable and educational keepsakes for families, schools, and honey enthusiasts alike.

A plush mascot costume of a cartoon bee, featuring a round head, large eyes, and a playful smile, dressed in black and brown stripes with a pair of wings.

A plush bee mascot characterized by its black head, brown body, and large white wings, standing with arms outstretched.

A plush mascot of a honey bee, featuring a brown body with black stripes, smiling face, and large round eyes, representing the Maltese Honey Bee.

Spring Honey – Inspired by In-Naħla Katerina

The first in the series is the Spring Honey, launched alongside the song In-Naħla Katerina, which first introduced young audiences to the story of Malta’s endemic honey bee. This honey is typically yellowish in colour with a liquid consistency and is a multi-floral variety. While its composition may vary slightly depending on local flora, it is primarily derived from nectar collected from:

Red Clover (Hedysarum coronarium)
Boar Thistle (Galactites tomentosa)
Citrus trees (Citrus spp.)
Borage (Borage officinalis)

Harvested between May and June, Spring Honey captures the essence of Malta’s blooming countryside. Light and floral, it offers a delicate sweetness that is characteristic of early-season honey. It tends to solidify within a few months, a natural process that testifies to its purity.

The design of this box reflects the joyful and curious nature of the In-Naħla Katerina song, featuring bright floral motifs, playful bees, and a springtime palette, echoing the awakening of nature during this season.

A beautifully designed box of Maltese Honey labeled 'Spring,' featuring a playful bee mascot from the children's music trilogy, with musical notes and a QR code linking to songs.

A colorful box design featuring animated bees and floral motifs, promoting honey produced by the Maltese Honey Bee.

A colorful box featuring a cartoon bee, musical notes, and various flowers, designed for the Spring Honey inspired by 'In-Naħla Katerina'.

Summer Honey – Inspired by Festin għad-Dakkara

The second in the series is the Summer Honey, to be launched in celebration of the vibrant and energetic second song, Festin Għad-Dakkara. This honey is typically yellowish-amber in colour with a viscous consistency, owing to its rich composition.

Summer Honey originates mainly from nectar collected from:

Mediterranean Thyme (Thymbra capitata)

Thyme honey is a prized product of Maltese apiculture, known for its robust flavour and aromatic profile. Harvested typically in July and August, it reflects the intensity of the summer heat and the resilience of Malta’s native flora. Its thicker texture makes it ideal for pairing with cheese, drizzling over toast, or enjoying straight from the spoon.

The box design takes its cue from Festin Għad-Dakkara’s carnival-like visuals, bursting with movement, music, and summer colours. It’s a celebration of nature’s bounty, perfectly aligned with the season’s joyful spirit.

A creatively designed box for Summer Honey featuring a playful bee illustration, musical notes, and text highlighting its production by the Maltese Honey Bee.

A colorful box design featuring a cartoon bee with large wings, surrounded by floral motifs and musical notes, promoting Maltese Honey Bee products with a QR code.

A colorful box featuring a playful cartoon bee, flowers, musical notes, and a butterfly, representing the Spring Honey inspired by the children's music trilogy _In-Naħla Katerina_.

Autumn Honey – Inspired by In-Naħla u Sħabha

Completing the trilogy is the Autumn Honey, which will coincide with the release of the third and final song, In-Naħla u Sħabha, set to launch on 24th September. This honey is dark amber to reddish-brown in colour, with a bold, earthy flavour that reflects the deeper tones of the autumn season.

Autumn Honey is primarily made from nectar collected from:

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.)
Carob trees (Ceratonia siliqua)

Harvested between November and December, this honey offers a warming, full-bodied taste that is perfect for cooler days. It pairs well with warm drinks, bakes, and autumnal recipes, making it a versatile and comforting treat.

The box design for the Autumn Honey will mirror the mood and visual themes of In-Naħla u Sħabha, focusing on community, sharing, and the richness of the harvest. Expect warm tones, leafy motifs, and illustrations of bees working together with their woodland friends.

A colorful box design for Autumn Maltese Honey featuring a cartoon bee, musical notes, and a QR code, celebrating the seasonal honey inspired by the song _In-Naħla u Sħabha_.

A colorful packaging design for the Maltese Honey Bee honey collection, featuring an illustration of a bee and a QR code, with playful musical notes and a scenic background.

A colorful box featuring a cheerful cartoon bee and a bird, with musical notes and a beach background, representing the Maltese Honey Bee honey collection.

A Sweet Way to Support Conservation

This honey trilogy is more than just a culinary delight—it’s a creative tool to raise awareness about the Maltese Honey Bee and the challenges it faces due to hybridisation with foreign bees. Every jar of honey in this series is produced exclusively by the endemic Maltese Honey Bee and harvested from flora growing across Malta’s natural landscapes.

Proceeds from the sale of this collection will support ongoing educational and conservation efforts led by the Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee, including school programmes, research, and awareness campaigns.

Limited Edition – Don’t Miss Out

This special edition honey series is available in limited quantities, making it a perfect gift or collector’s item for anyone who values Malta’s environment, culture, and native biodiversity. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, beekeeper, or simply a honey lover, this trilogy invites you to savour the flavours of Malta while supporting a noble cause.

For more information or to reserve your collectible honey set, please contact us at nahlamaltija@gmail.com

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