The honey is one of the traditional Bulgarian foods that has been produced here for more than 3,000 years. There are many small independent beekeepers found in the rural Bulgarian communities, and often more honey is produced than is demanded by local consumers. Because pure natural honey is the only food that will never spoil, the excess honey is stored, sometimes for years, in different containers that the beekeeper has available until a broker shows up to buy it. Also, bee pollen is sold in the local markets.