We were delighted to host our second annual Bees and Teas Buzz Event at the Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute (THTI). It was an engaging and educational experience that brought together students from various high schools and primary schools across the island. This special event commemorated both International Bee Day and International Tea Day, highlighting the crucial roles that bees and teas play in our ecosystem and daily lives.

A Day of Learning and Celebration

The Bees and Teas Buzz Event was designed to offer students a hands-on learning experience about the fascinating world of bees and the diverse range of teas. The event featured:

• Educational Workshops: Interactive sessions where students learned about the importance of bees in pollination, the production of honey, and the environmental challenges bees face today.
• Tea Tasting: A delightful exploration of different types of teas from around the world, focusing on their health benefits and cultural significance.
• Bee Exhibits: Live demonstrations and displays showcasing bee behavior, hive structures, and honey extraction processes.

Highlights of the Event

• Guest Speakers: Experts in apiculture and tea production shared their knowledge and insights, inspiring students to appreciate and protect these vital resources.
• Hands-On Activities: Students participated in question and answer segments, tea blending exercises, and honey tasting, making the learning experience both fun and memorable.
• Sustainability Focus: Emphasis was placed on sustainable practices in beekeeping and tea cultivation, educating students on how they can contribute to environmental conservation.

The Importance of Bees and Teas

By combining International Bee Day and International Tea Day into one event, we aimed to draw attention to the interconnectedness of our natural world. Bees are essential pollinators that contribute to the growth of many crops, including tea plants, making them invaluable to both agriculture and biodiversity.

Student Hightlight

We are proud to highlight our talented Food and Beverage student, Allesa Simon, showcased her creativity and skill by utilizing teas from TeaBago and Twigs Naturals to craft signature mocktails and cocktails. Allesa’s innovative approach and keen understanding of flavors resulted in delightful beverages that were a hit at the event. 

Her ability to blend the distinct qualities of these premium teas into refreshing mocktails and cocktails demonstrates both her expertise and her passion for the culinary arts. 

Featured Recipe:

2 Oz hibiscus and aniseed tea 
1 1/14 Oz old oak sorrel rum 1/4 oz orange liqueur 1/4 Oz cherry brandy 1/2 Oz fresh lemon juice 1/4 Oz hibiscus syrup Misted with aperol 
Glassware: Classic Cherry Glass Method : Build Garnish : Citrus Twist Served : Hot or Cold

Looking Forward

The Bees and Teas Buzz Event was a tremendous success, leaving students with a deeper appreciation for bees, honey, and tea. It also reinforced THTI’s commitment to environmental education and sustainability. We look forward to hosting more such events in the future, fostering a greater understanding and respect for our natural world among the younger generation.

Thank you to all the schools, students, and experts who participated in making this event a buzzing success! For more information about our programmes and upcoming events, visit our website www.thti.edu or contact us at 303-5153 directly.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the participants of this year’s Bees and Teas event at THTI. CI Honey, Genesis Honey, Heavenly Hives, Tobago Apisociety, Sip and Be Well, Teabago, LCJ Delights, Twigs Naturals, and BeeYouthiful Skin Products – your invaluable contributions and engaging sessions made this event a resounding success. Your expertise and dedication have greatly enriched our understanding and appreciation of bees and their products. Thank you for your unwavering support and for creating such an informative and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Buzzing towards a sustainable future with THTI!