09/02/2025
The word ‘Kiwot’ in Filipino means ‘Stingless Bee.’ Our product is unadulterated natural honey from a species of stingless bee unique and originally endemic to forested areas of Luzon in the Philippines. The scientific name for our kiwot is Teragonula Biroi or commonly T. Biroi. This honey is harvested from Kiwot brood colonies located in Upper Tanay, Rizal, Luzon.
Kiwot honey – with a mildy tart and tangy taste - is distinct and different from viscous and sweeter commonly retailed honey produced from bees that sting (or, formally, Apis Millifera, whose origins are in non-tropical climates distant from our beautiful islands. This special, rarer honey has more moisture and lower sugar content.
Kiwot honey has useful nutritional value with high levels of flavonoids and polyphenols because these bees visit numerous floral species due to small body size which allows for wider and more varied pollination. Kiwot honey also tends to have higher levels of certain organic acids, vitamins and bioactive compounds, including antioxidants and antimicrobial agents. Current research suggests that, in addition to nutritional value, the honey and propolis from kiwot species has ‘extraordinary healing properties’, include neuroprotective agents that fight against ischemic stroke, in addition to holding anti-inflammatory properties that have tumor-suppressing potential. To learn more about Kiwot’s health benefits, check out this recent research, including recent findings from the US National Institute of Health (NIH) as a start:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9145090/pdf/molecules-27-03080.pdf
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/aging-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2022.1048028/pdf
There is scant study on traditional uses of kiwot honey, propolis and pollen by Fillipino indigenous peoples. But scientific reviews of such uses in other countries show significant application of stingless bee honey and associated products by traditional communities for medicinal purposes, especially in treating coughs, sore throats and cuts and wounds, as well as for application in massage oil to decrease joint and ligament aches and pains associated with stress or old age.
We encourage you to taste this very special Pinoy honey and make your own assessment. Please share your experience with us at kiwot-info@pogiperch.net.
