Honey is usually described by its component vitamins, minerals, sugars and other components. However, it is also possible to describe from its pollen composition, which allows us also to determine from which plants the nectar has been collected. This is because under the
microscope, it is possible to differentiate between different pollens by their shape, size, texture, pores as these are all plant specific and thus the nectar composition of the honey and from where the honey was gathered can be pin-pointed.
 
Legally there is no requirement for honey producers to have a chemical analysis of their product made, but still more and more are doing it. This is partially due to greater consumer awareness.
As these kinds of analyses also provide an overview of heavy metals and pesticides in the food chain, it does help to better understand the complex nature of effects of agriculture to bees.
 
Honey and pollen analysis is of particular value to beekeepers, regulating and supervising authorities, food producers, wholesalers, retailers, farmers.
 
To find out more about how we test honey and what benefits it can bring to your organisation, please contact: Liisa Puusepp, liisa.puusepp@tlu.ee