[Parade × Kyoto Higuchi Bee Farm] Our Collaboration Exhibition Has Begun!

“Flowers, Fields and Mountains, Climate, and the Work of Bees”
Honey, a Gift from the Workings of Nature—A Visit to Kyoto Higuchi Bee Farm

At Cafe & Sweets Parade Kyoto, we are holding an exhibition themed around the honey from Kyoto Higuchi Bee Farm that we use in our sweets every day.

In what kind of natural surroundings, and through what kind of work, is the honey we usually eat produced? We visited Kyoto Higuchi Bee Farm and spoke with beekeeper Higuchi-san about the ecology of bees, the work of beekeeping, and the story behind how honey is made.

In the shop, we present what we learned alongside photos taken at the bee farm and valuable honey-harvesting tools that are actually in use.

Honey That Is Never the Same from Year to Year

Honey is a gift of nature, born from the combination of flowers, fields and mountains, climate, and the work of bees. Its flavor, color, and aroma vary greatly depending on the types of flowers from which the bees gather nectar and when those flowers bloom. Even honey harvested in the same place shows a different character depending on that year’s weather and natural environment. We were told that during the harvest season, a difference of just one day can change the impression of the flavor.

Working with Nature and Honeybees:
The Work of a Beekeeper

Beekeeping is not simply a matter of setting out hives and waiting for honey to form. While observing the blooming of flowers, the movements of the bees, the temperature, the weather, and the conditions inside the hive day by day, the beekeeper judges “when to harvest” or “whether to wait a little longer.” With their small bodies, the bees fly from flower to flower and store nectar inside the hive, dividing their roles among themselves. The work of a beekeeper is to stay close to these activities, accept the changes of nature, and deliver the honey to people.

We were told that in recent years, because of changes in the climate and environment, there have been more years in which honey cannot be harvested as reliably as before. We hope you can sense the nature, the bees, and the work of the producers that lie behind each jar of honey.

Kyoto Higuchi Bee Farm’s “Multifloral Honey” and
Sweets from Cafe & Sweets Parade Kyoto

Honey from Kyoto Higuchi Bee Farm is used in a variety of Parade’s sweets.

・Honey Madeleine
・Chocolat Madeleine
・Shortcake *used in the génoise (sponge cake)
・Honey Pudding
・Blanc Cœur (no-bake cheesecake)
・Lavender-Scented Ice Cream
・Royal Milk Tea Ice Cream with Taiwanese Honey-Scented Black Tea and Rum-Soaked Figs

Beyond being enjoyed on its own, honey adds rich depth and a gentle sweetness to sweets. After viewing the exhibition, we hope you will enjoy the flavor of this honey, born from the workings of nature, together with Parade’s sweets.

In store, you can sample and purchase Kyoto Higuchi Bee Farm’s “Multifloral Honey,” and we also sell Gift Box [M], which includes the honey. After learning through the exhibition about how honey comes to be, please take your time to enjoy its flavor at home as well.

In addition, 3 interview panels featuring beekeeper Higuchi-san and
a ZINE (booklet) summarizing the exhibition are scheduled to be added progressively during the exhibition period.