The story of the sacred Sidr tree

Yemeni Sidr honey is highly valued throughout the world because of its history, its limited availability throughout the year, and its special nutritional and medicinal properties. One of the very finest monofloral honeys in the world, it has been used for centuries, by many different civilisations, as a holistic health supplement.

The honey is created with pollen from the Sidr tree which can be found across the Middle East – and some of the oldest trees are found in Yemen. The fruit, leaves, roots and bark are used to treat a variety of ailments. Its curative and anti-inflammatory properties have been trusted for centuries from disinfecting wounds to healing skin problems.

The Sidr tree

The Sidr tree is known by other names including the Jujube, Lote or Christ’s thorn tree. It’s an evergreen that grows in coastal, desert, and semi-desert areas. It is native to parts of Africa and Asia and you can find it in India, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Egypt, Libya, Sudan, and the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula. It most famously grows in Yemen where honey is a deep rooted part of the culture and Sidr honey is often known as Yemen honey. It is a sturdy and deep-rooted tree which can withstand adverse weather conditions like drought and floods. The average tree size is between 7-8 metres high, the flowers are yellow and the fruits are round, yellowish turning to a reddish colour when mature.

The history and culture of the Sidr tree

The Sidr Tree is mentioned in the holy Quran as one of the plants of Paradise and is referenced to emphasise its beauty, strength and grandeur. The tree was used during the time of King Solomon and the Pharaohs used it to build palaces and temples. It is believed by many that the ‘Crown of Thorns’ as described in the Bible, worn by Jesus at his crucifixion, was made from the branches of this tree.

Sidr is still a part of the Middle East cultural tapestry today – powdered Sidr can be purchased in herbal shops today and is often used in herbal shampoos in the region.

Benefits of the Sidr Tree

All parts of the Sidr tree provide health benefits. The fruit is a great source of energy, the seeds are rich in protein, the leaves carry large amounts of calcium, iron and magnesium, the root, stem bark is used in a variety of medicinal preparations and the wood ash is used for the treatment of snakebites.

The nutrients and properties are retained in the raw Sidr honey which is often called the ‘Manuka of the Middle East’ as it has similar, and often more, active enzymes and nutrients.

Raw Yemeni Sidr honey

Many types of raw honey have health and medicinal qualities but Sidr Honey has an abundance of minerals, vitamins and other nutrients which makes it even more potent.

Read more about the health benefits of Sidr Honey here.