Jujube honey, or sidr honey, is undoubtedly the most popular honey from Algeria. Used for centuries in natural medicine traditions, and recognized for its exceptionally floral taste, Algerian jujube honey is exported to Europe, particularly to France where it is often out of stock in online stores.
And if it stands out for its therapeutic virtues, it is also intriguing for its fairly high price which makes it one of the most expensive honeys sold in France.
At Miel Imperial, a French e-boutique specializing in natural honeys and oils, Algerian jujube honey is sold at the relatively reasonable price of €20 for a 250g jar, bringing the price per kilo to €80.
The store indicates that the product is available and comes from a “new 2024 harvest”, knowing that the harvest is generally done in spring or summer, when the jujube flowers are in full bloom.
“Algerian sidr honey has nothing to envy of the famous jujube honey from Yemen (sidr malaky) and elsewhere,” indicates Miel Imperial, adding that the quality of Algerian harvests means that Algerian jujube honey is “in establishing itself as a reference in the field.
What about its region of production, its therapeutic virtues which are said to be incredible, and its price which sometimes exceeds €100 for a kilo? Here is an overview of what makes Algerian jujube honey an exceptional product.
At the gates of the Algerian Sahara, the lands of jujube honey
With the trend towards responsible consumption, in France, natural products like honey are more popular than ever, and Algerian jujube honey particularly stands out.
At Miel Imperial, we look for it far away, in the region of Laghouat, a large inland wilaya located in the heart of Algeria, at the foot of the Saharan Atlas. Surrounded by steep mountains and with a dry and arid climate with temperatures easily reaching 40°C, the region provides ideal conditions for growing jujube.
The desert and wooded lands of Laghouat make it possible to cultivate this rare and high-end honey, among the most expensive in the world.
It is recognized by its amber color which tends towards orange over time, its liquid texture which thickens as it ages, its exceptionally sweet taste, and its delicate floral and fruity aromas. “A simply delicious dish, reminiscent of caramel butter,” describes the online store.
The benefits of Algerian jujube honey
A true treasure of nature, Algerian sidr honey is renowned for having many benefits. It is believed to have beneficial health benefits, including strengthening the immune system, healing wounds and cuts, and improving the digestive system.
It is also one of the first “grandmother’s remedies” we turn to to treat winter ailments, typically tonsillitis, sore throats, coughs and fevers.
In Algeria, if jujube honey is given so many healing properties, it is in particular because of its mention in the Koran and prophetic teachings.
Why is its price so high?
Sold on average at the price of €20 for a 250 g pot in online stores in France, Algerian jujube honey sometimes reaches €25 for 250 g, which brings the price per kilo to €100 and which makes it one of the most expensive honeys in the world.
This high price can be explained by several factors, the first being the rarity of jujube flowers. These generally only flower once a year, and their flowering period is quite short, which greatly limits the quantity of honey harvested throughout the year.
In some online stores, such as Esprizen, you simply have to put yourself on a “waiting list” to be able to purchase it.
Also, the cultivation of jujube requires specific conditions: arid and mountainous lands which are not present everywhere. Add to that an exceptionally pleasant taste, numerous therapeutic virtues, and a growing demand. These reasons combined explain why jujube honey is sometimes perceived as a luxury product.
What do consumers say about it?
In the customer reviews of online stores like Miel Imperial, customers are full of praise for the exceptional quality of Algerian sidr honey. We note a score of 9.6/10 based on 51 reviews, almost all of the reviewers saying they are perfectly satisfied with their purchase:
“Very good jujube honey from Algeria that I highly recommend”, “It costs a little expensive, but it is super good”, “Very satisfied with the product”, “Very good honey, nothing to envy of Yemeni jujube honey” , “Premium quality honey. Value for money 5/5”.
