In Lagrave, we find Éric Viguier, originally from Tarn and a beekeeper since he was 20. He recovered his grandfather's abandoned hives with his partner to produce Rikomiel honeys. “Riko” in Spanish means delicious: taste them, you will surely not say otherwise!
Much more than a story of terroir
Installed on agricultural land in the Tarn, the hives of Rikomiel have recently switched to organic farming. As true experts in honey bees, Eric and his partner have set up a real breeding farm that allows them to produce honey from March to September. They move their hives between the Tarn and the Gironde to produce pure and exceptional honeys, such as Acacia, Heather and Chestnut honey.
Historically, we are the region that produced the most honey 20 years ago. Now, it is the North and the Northeast that are breaking production records. Surely linked to climate change.
Eric and Valérie, beekeepers
Working with bees means being in contact with nature, seeing these little creatures evolve, the hives develop, identifying the queen, all these moments punctuate the daily life of this couple of beekeepers from Tarn.
Our production is very dependent on climatic hazards. The honey production cycle changes with the seasons.
“We start by making spring honey that we harvest at the end of April when all the spring flora is there, then we move the bees at night to the Tarn Valley to make chestnut honey. In terms of feeding, we make swarms that we have to support. The treatments are organic and their composition changes, we make the sugar ourselves, for example.”
Except for one flower…
With its nectar, its smell, its color, its shape, the flower attracts pollinators… It fills with pollen which is its seed. Bees then play a fundamental role since they spread the pollen to other plants. Enabling the creation of seeds, pollen is the reproductive system of the plant: essential for the production of honey.
rikomiel
And why not enjoy yourself there?
Although their honeys can be found in several Tarn producer stores such as Foncoussières Orchard in Rabastens or in EsPolitAquo In Lisle-sur-Tarn, going there offers a completely different perspective. We visit the farm with our senses alert, ready to taste the six varieties of organic honey: heather, chestnut, forest, wild flowers, summer and spring. On site, the couple also offers us processed honey-based products, such as spreads, dried fruits, salted butter caramel, gingerbread, biscuits, etc. Enough to satisfy the gourmet desires of those with a sweet tooth.
Meet Eric and Valérie
Themes
