Elazığ geven honey is a floral honey produced from the nectar of Astragalus spp. (geven) and other local flowering plants within the boundaries of Elazığ province, Türkiye. Registered as a Designation of Origin under Industrial Property Law No. 6769, it was officially recorded by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office on September 21, 2022. The application was made by the Elazığ Beekeepers’ Association.
Definition and Distinctive Features
Elazığ geven honey is available as strained or honeycomb honey, characterized by sensory qualities unique to the region’s flora. It is transparent with shades of yellow, has a viscous and fluid consistency, and is distinguished by its sweet, non-irritating taste, slow crystallization, and distinctive aroma.
The primary characteristic comes from geven pollen, which constitutes at least 45% of the total pollen content in melissopalynological analyses. Secondary pollens include those from Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Rosaceae, and Thymus spp. (thyme).
The geven plant typically grows in cushion-like clusters in Elazığ’s natural steppe areas, with flowering from May to August, depending on altitude. Due to the nectar being located deep within the flowers, the Caucasian bee (Apis mellifera caucasica) and Anatolian bee (Apis mellifera anatoliaca), adapted to the region’s climate, are preferred for nectar collection.
Production Method
Elazığ geven honey is produced without additives, in compliance with Turkish Food Codex regulations. The process involves stationary or migratory beekeeping. Winter maintenance is completed in October, with honey harvesting typically occurring in August and September, or in July under adverse weather conditions.
Spring activities begin in March with hive inspections, cleaning, and maintenance. No supplementary feeding is provided once bees start collecting nectar. Harvested honey is strained using food-safe equipment, rested in tanks for at least three days, and filtered through fine sieves to reach its final form.
During packaging, the honey is placed in food-safe containers and labeled according to Turkish Food Codex standards. It is stored in odor-free, clean, dry environments, away from direct sunlight, at temperatures not exceeding 25°C.
Inspection
The production and marketing of "Elazığ Geven Honey" are overseen by the Elazığ Beekeepers’ Association in coordination with the Elazığ Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, through a committee of at least three members. Inspections occur at least annually, with additional checks as needed or upon complaints.
The inspection process evaluates the correct use of the geographical indication, adherence to the production method, the location of apiaries, harvesting processes, and packaging conditions. If necessary, honey samples are analyzed for compliance with Turkish Food Codex standards. All inspection results are documented and submitted to the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office.
