Melissopalynological and Physico-Chemical Properties of Cimil Plateau (Rize) Honey

In this study, melissopalynological and physico-chemical properties of the honey produced in the Cimil Plateau were determined. Eight honey samples were taken from Cimil Plateau (Rize province) from different altitudes and localities. All samples were analysed by standard laboratory methods to determine moisture, sugar, proline, diastase and 5-Hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) parameters. Also, melissopalynological analyses were made according to the standard techniques and determined pollen composition of the honey samples. Melissopalynological studies showed that the pollens dominantly belong to Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Campanulaceae, Caprifoliaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Ericaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Lauraceae, Onagraceae, Poaceae, Polygonaceae, Ranunculaceae and Rosaceae families. The moisture content of the samples was determined to be 16.9-19.1 %, the proline content was 568-758 mg/kg. Our results showed that the examined honey samples are polyfloral and monofloral. This is the first report performed on Cimil honey based on melissopalynological and physico-chemical characteristics. It has been observed that the melissopalynological and physico-chemical analysis results of honey are following European Union Standards and Turkish Food Codex Honey Communiqué.