Queen Aurelia

Aurelia emerged in a monsoon-soaked morning near a coffee estate, three days after her sisters. She was the smallest of the batch — and she survived.

Her colony now hums at the edge of a shade-grown farm, pollinating the same coffee flowers that will end up in your cup. The Menon family visits her twice a year.

Every kilo of honey she helps produce is signed with her ID and the caretaker's hand.