![\"\"](\"https:\/\/yemeniamerican.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/04\/09161839-117E-49DB-8102-776CA6574510-300x200.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nBy Simon Albaugh \u2013 Yemeni American News<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Dearborn, Mich. \u2013 Walk into Dearborn\u2019s Asal Bee and you\u2019ll likely feel transported into a different world, where Yemen\u2019s fields of flowers and natural honey are celebrated, and the sweet taste of honey flows. This is one of Dearborn\u2019s newest business ventures, run by Muaath Alghazali, and it\u2019s already becoming an important destination for some of the highest-quality honey available in Southeast Michigan.<\/p>\n
The organic honey destination opened just under a month ago. It started when Alghazali first became a point of connection for Yemeni honey in his community. From there, the business slowly grew until Asal Bee became a brick-and-mortar store.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople would ask about the honey after I brought it as a gift,\u201d Alghazali said. \u201cThen I would distribute it to people and store, and from there, I opened the store.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/yemeniamerican.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/04\/B25C10E0-FEAF-48A9-8FBD-EC26F5717664-300x200.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n
Asal Bee is a store that sells more than just organic honey. Their products range from candies and chocolates, to medicines and perfumes that all depend on honey for their distinct qualities. As people walk into the store, the decoration invites people to become immersed in the world of faraway farmers whose craft is dedicated to the honey that is sold.<\/p>\n
Like all businesses, Asal Bee has its challenges. As a venture that\u2019s opening during the Coronavirus pandemic, there is an inherent risk that the business may not be successful. But this, Alghazali says, is not the only obstacle for the business.<\/p>\n
With the conflict in Yemen, there is a long wait for new shipments of its honey, sourced from farmers in the besieged country. \u201cWe have difficulty because of the war,\u201d Alghazali said.<\/p>\n
First, the honey starts in Yemen, then it\u2019s transported through Saudi Arabia before eventually arriving in Dearborn. Customers who came in seemed to enjoy the taste of this honey sourced from Yemen. It had complicated flavors and a rich sweetness that was distinct from most other kinds of honey.<\/p>\n