While it is expensive and dangerous to attempt to summit Mt. Everest (29,032 feet), it could boost your honey sales.

Sir Edmund Hillary found this out after he and his sherpa guide Tensing Norgay ascended as the presumed first people to summit the world’s tallest peak. They did this on May 29, 1953, seventy-three years ago yesterday.

For Hillary, a New Zealand beekeeper, a side-benefit came with increased honey sales. Norgay’s payoff was likely shared with other Sherpas, who became the essential guides for Everest attempts, and I believe remain so.

After their feat, an American firm, in June 1953, ordered two tons of Hillary Honey. Part of the post-summit furor was based on the idea that not only could you enjoy honey from a famous explorer, but it was possible that Hillary’s honey contributed to what made him succeed.

“It is futile for dietitians to disagree on whether honey has special strength-giving qualities,” one story noted. “The proof of the honey is in the climbing.”²⁾The Sydney Morning Herald, June 13, 1953.

Strangely, it looks like Hillary sold his honey in paper cups.

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