The Sicilian Black Bee originated and developed in Sicily until the 1970s. It was then abandoned because local beekeepers preferred to import Ligurian bees from the north, which were considered the standard for honey production throughout Italy. It even risked extinction.
They are very docile and peaceful insects, so much so that beekeepers extract honey with their bare hands. They are much more resistant to extreme temperatures. They can produce honey both in winter and in summer at temperatures above 40°C (the limit for other bee varieties).
The Sicilian black bee is highly resistant to parasites and pesticides and consumes less honey than other bees.
Sicilian black bee honey is usually cold-extracted by hand. Its flavor isn't much different from other honeys, but it has a high polyphenol and antioxidant content.

