Arhavi Chestnut Honey

Arhavi Chestnut Honey is a honey produced by bees within the geographical boundaries of the Arhavi district of Artvin province, primarily from nectar collected from chestnut(Castanea sativa) and other flowering plants.

Product Profile and Geographical Indication Type

Arhavi Chestnut Honey is classified as a floral honey and is produced and marketed in filtered and/or comb honey forms. It has been registered by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office as a "geographical indication." A geographical indication is used when all stages of production processing and preparation of a product occur within a defined geographical area and the product’s distinctive characteristics are attributable to this geographical origin. The registration of Arhavi Chestnut Honey as a geographical indication documents that its unique aroma color and flavor are derived from the chestnut tree flora of Arhavi up to an average altitude of 1000 meters its rich additional vegetation and centuries-old beekeeping traditions.

Arhavi Chestnut Honey (Turkish Patent and Trademark Office)

Product Definition and Distinctive Characteristics

Arhavi Chestnut Honey is a honey in which pollen from the chestnut tree (Castanea sativa) predominates in melissopalynological analyses. The proportion of chestnut pollen in the product constitutes at least 70 percent of the total pollen content. Monofloral honeys are named after their botanical source and are therefore called chestnut honey.

• Appearance and Consistency: It has a color in brown tones and a fluid viscous consistency.
• Aroma and Taste: It possesses a distinctive aroma characteristic of its plant source and a relatively bitter slightly astringent taste. It leaves a mild burning sensation in the throat upon consumption.
• Crystallization: Under proper storage conditions it may partially or slowly crystallize.
• Pollen Sources: Depending on climate and vegetation the primary pollen concentration is predominantly from chestnut (Castanea sativa). Major secondary pollen sources include linden (Tilia spp.) citrus (Citrus spp.) Ericaceae and Rosaceae species. These primary and secondary pollen sources contribute to the unique aroma and color of Arhavi Chestnut Honey.
• Bee Race: The Caucasian bee race is generally used in its production.

Production Method

Arhavi Chestnut Honey is produced and presented to consumers in filtered and/or comb honey forms in compliance with the Turkish Food Codex regulations.

Beekeeping Activities

• Beekeeping activities for Arhavi Chestnut Honey production are generally stationary. Production takes place in areas up to an average altitude of 1000 meters using modern hives and/or traditional log hives.
• Beehives are typically overwintered in elevated enclosed or semi-enclosed apiaries or structures. Beekeepers usually feed colonies during normal climatic conditions with honey derived from the regional flora or a sugar-water mixture.
• In spring inspections (March) the condition of the bees after winter the quantity of stored food the presence and egg-laying activity of the queen the number of worker bees and the presence of disease in the hive are checked. Hive bottom boards are cleaned and maintained.
• The period for placing apiaries in the field generally occurs in May and June. Once bees begin collecting nectar no additional feeding is provided.

Pest and Disease Control

Pesticides and treatments are used in accordance with authorized regulations and product labels.

• Harvest: The harvest period varies according to month nectar flow and climatic conditions. Harvest is generally completed in August and September but may also occur in July due to adverse weather. When the harvest time arrives frames are collected according to standard techniques. The honey from extracted combs is separated using food-grade manual or electric (centrifugal) honey extractors.
• Resting and Filtration: Filtered honey is transferred to food-grade resting tanks where it is left to rest for approximately three days. During this period unwanted particles bubbles and other impurities settle allowing the honey to achieve a homogeneous appearance. The rested honey is then passed through fine filters to complete the filtration process and remove any remaining particles or bubbles.
• Storage and Packaging: Arhavi Chestnut Honey is stored in clean dry locations away from odors and direct sunlight with temperatures not exceeding 25°C throughout all stages from packaging to consumer delivery. If the product is not immediately packaged or delivered to consumers it is stored in cooler environments for longer-term preservation. Arhavi Chestnut Honey is placed in packaging materials approved for food contact as determined by food operators. Honey that meets pollen analysis requirements and complies with the Turkish Food Codex is labeled and presented to consumers.

Geographical Origin and Boundaries

The geographical boundary of Arhavi Chestnut Honey is the Arhavi district of Artvin province. All stages of production occur within this geographical area under its distinctive climate (a Black Sea climate characterized by rainfall throughout all seasons mild winters and high annual average temperatures) and rich vegetation (dense and abundant flora dominated by chestnut sweet chestnut beech hornbeam black alder plane tree pine and linden trees).

Registration Process and Details

The application for the geographical indication registration of Arhavi Chestnut Honey was submitted by the Arhavi Chamber of Agriculture. The application was filed on 16 December 2021 under reference number C2021/000524. Following the evaluation process the product was officially registered as a "geographical indication" on 10 November 2022 under registration number 1252. The registrant’s address is recorded as Musazade Neighborhood Kazım Karabekir Street Arhavi Artvin.