Honey stories: Mead of eastern Angola

Around the world, honey goes far beyond being just food — it carries deep cultural meanings.

In Angola, at the heart of the African continent, an ancestral tradition still thrives: the production of mead.

This fermented beverage made from honey — considered one of the oldest in human history — remains a symbol of identity, creativity, and livelihood for rural communities.

What is mead?

Produced by fermenting honey with water and yeast, mead is an alcoholic drink that can range from 4% to 20% alcohol content.

It was celebrated by ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Greeks, and in Norse mythology it was known as the “nectar of the gods”, representing wisdom and inspiration.

Beyond its historical symbolism, mead also offers natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

The beekeeping tradition in Eastern Angola

Farmer with his traditional beehive.

In eastern Angola, provinces such as Cuando Cubango stand out as major honey producers — often using traditional hives.It is there that stories like that of farmer Isabel Ngueve, a resident of the commune of Longa, come to life. Her family is renowned for their excellence in the artisanal production of mead, using techniques passed down through generations.

The recipe begins simply: honey diluted in water, naturally fermented for several days.The flavor, initially sweet, transforms as the fermentation process progresses, resulting in an aromatic, full-bodied, and distinctive beverage.

Artisanal production, ancestral knowledge

The process of making mead involves careful steps such as sanitizing the utensils, fermenting the honey with honeycombs, filtering the wax residue, and finally bottling.Even with artisanal and non-standardized methods, there is a growing pursuit of innovation and quality improvement — always with respect for tradition.

Each bottle of mead carries much more than flavor: it represents traditional knowledge, community-driven innovation, and the power to transform a natural resource into added value.

Honey with crushed honeycombs.

Fermentation of honey and honeycombs in water.

Wax residue obtained after fermentation and filtration.

Mead

Sustainability and local impact

Producing mead from honey is a way to expand the benefits of beekeeping and diversify income sources for rural families.Moreover, this practice strengthens environmental, social, and economic sustainability by valuing local resources through accessible, low-impact techniques.

The story of Isabel Ngueve and her family is an inspiring example of how traditional knowledge, combined with respect for nature, can generate a positive impact across an entire community.

Isabel Ngueve with her family and equipment for making mead.

At Inovabee, we value every story of honey

At Inovabee, we value every story of honey. We believe that behind each jar lies culture, dedication, and a production chain that respects nature and transforms lives.

Source: Schüler, Silmo, Melo, N. A. d., & Lobo, E. A. (2022). Foods from the Rural Environment of Angola: Production and Preparation. São Paulo: Dialética Publishing.