Sicilian Black Bee

In the heart of Sicily, among ancient temples and sun-drenched landscapes, flies a small yet mighty symbol of Mediterranean biodiversity: the Sicilian Black Bee (Apis mellifera siciliana). This unique native species has lived in harmony with the island’s natural environment for centuries, playing a vital role in pollination and in the production of high-quality honey.

This bee is distinguished by its dark color, gentle nature, and extraordinary ability to adapt to the Sicilian climate, marked by hot summers, drought, and strong winds. The Black Bee can gather nectar even in extreme conditions, making it a valuable ally for sustainable agriculture. Its honey—sourced from thyme, heather, thistle, or citrus blossoms—captures the intense aromas of Mediterranean flora, offering a product that is both authentic and rich in identity.

In the 1970s, this species faced near extinction, displaced by imported non-native bees introduced to increase productivity. Thanks to conservation projects led by Sicilian beekeepers, such as Carlo Amodeo, surviving colonies—particularly in the Aeolian Islands—were preserved, and efforts to protect and enhance the species began.

Today, the Sicilian Black Bee not only populates many hives across the island again, but it is also officially recognized as a Slow Food Presidia, a symbol of sustainable farming in harmony with natural cycles.

Particularly emblematic is the presence of a historic beehive in the Archaeological Park of Selinunte, an extraordinary testament to the millennia-old symbiosis between humans, nature, and landscape. Here, among Doric temples and ancient ruins, bees still take flight, silent protagonists of a story that spans centuries, offering a cultural and natural experience like no other.

The Sicilian Black Bee is an emblem of resilience, beauty, and harmony with nature. A unique heritage to discover, cherish, and above all, protect.