HYDERABAD: Albert Einstein is ‘bee-lieved’ to have said, “If the honey bee disappeared off the surface of the globe then man would only have four years of life left.” No more bees, no more pollination, no more plants, no more man, was stated to be the idea.
Doing his part to ensure this does not happen is Hameed Farook, a chef from the United Kingdom, whose tenure at the Park Hyatt, Banjara Hills, will end this month. Farook holds an AA 3-Rosette. The AA 3-Rossette is given to those who achieve culinary standards that demand national recognition.
Farook promotes the concept of ‘petting a bee’, beekeeping so as to ensure that the environment is sustainable, and uses bee products in his cooking.
Farook took to apiculture, or beekeeping, when he moved from London to Kent in the countryside in 2016, where many local farmers were beekeepers.
He said, “I work at the five-star St James Court in London. I have introduced this hobby in the hotel with staff and with customers. It is now growing as a hobby all across.”
“Hyderabad is a beautiful city with a lot of greenery and rocky hills. People are friendly and more open to ideas, so I thought of introducing it here,” said Farook who started with beekeeping on the terrace of the hotel. The staff got interested and started learning.
“Presently we have five beehive boxes. Most of the guests have come up and seen them. They have promised they would start a beehive at their places.”
Farook, said that as Hyderabad has many beautiful structures, the authorities should have beehives at a few of them to add to the beauty.
Farook, who returns at the month-end, said, “I have introduced the concept of British afternoon tea here at the Hyatt, where guests are served everything sweetened by honey. Bee wax and bee pollen are used in the food items, which has been appreciated.”
