Erzincan Geven Honey

Erzincan Geven Honey is a floral honey produced by bees collecting nectar from the perennial geven plant growing within the geographical boundaries of Erzincan and other local flora species. The product was registered as a Geographical Indication with registration number 1831 on 18 March 2026, under protection granted by Law No. 6769 on Industrial Property, effective from 9 January 2023. This product, registered by the Beekeepers Union of Erzincan Province, reflects the distinctive climatic and vegetative characteristics of the region. Erzincan has approximately 107,000 bee colonies, with an annual average production expectation of around 1,500 tons.

Erzincan Geven Honey derives its primary pollen source from the geven plant, which grows naturally in the region’s steppe areas and typically forms cushion-like clusters. Melissopalynological analyses require that the honey contain at least 50% geven pollen. In addition, depending on climatic conditions, secondary pollen sources include 10–12% flowers from the Rosaceae family and 2–5% from the Asteraceae family. Trace amounts of pollen from willow, thyme, and dandelion species may also be detected. Because the nectar of the geven plant is located deep within the flower, the Caucasian Bee and Anatolian Bee breeds, which are adapted to the regional climate and capable of accessing this nectar, are preferred for production.

The honey exhibits a transparent appearance and a color ranging from light yellow to light amber, depending on pollen concentration. Organoleptically, it has a mild aroma and, upon consumption, delivers a soft sweetness without throat irritation, along with a subtle aroma derived from its mineral content. Physically, due to its low moisture content, it has a slow crystallization rate and maintains a fluid yet viscous consistency. According to physicochemical standards, the maximum moisture content is 16.5%, sucrose content does not exceed 0.35 g/100 g, and the combined fructose and glucose content is at least 71 g/100 g. Additionally, its proline value, a key indicator of quality, is a minimum of 750 mg/kg.

The production of Erzincan Geven Honey is carried out using either stationary or migratory beekeeping methods and is marketed as either strained or comb honey. During the production process, feeding with sugar syrup is permitted only during winter maintenance and spring preparation periods; once the nectar flow begins, any supplementary feeding of bees is prohibited. Honey harvesting takes place in July, August, or September, depending on climatic conditions. The harvested honey is stored in food-grade resting tanks for at least three days to ensure homogeneity and then filtered through fine sieves to remove foreign particles. No external food ingredients or additives may be introduced to the product, as stipulated by its registration requirements.

Erzincan Geven Honey must be stored in dry, odorless environments at temperatures not exceeding 25 °C and without direct exposure to sunlight from packaging until it reaches the consumer. Compliance with registration requirements is inspected at least once annually by a specialized committee coordinated by the Beekeepers Union of Erzincan Province. Inspections include assessment of apiary locations, data from the Beekeeping Registration System, production methods, and laboratory analyses when necessary. Beekeepers and businesses producing or marketing the product are registered to ensure traceability and protection of the geographical indication; products meeting the criteria are required to bear the label “Erzincan Geven Honey” and the official geographical indication emblem.