Refahiye Honey

Refahiye Honey is a type of honey produced in the Refahiye district of Erzincan province in Türkiye, under the unique climatic and floral characteristics of the region. It is protected under a designation of origin and is distinguished by the rich plant diversity of the area as well as the role of the Caucasian honeybee (Apis mellifera caucasica) in its production. The production process and physicochemical properties are shaped by the natural conditions of the Refahiye district and traditional beekeeping practices. In this context, Refahiye Honey stands out from other types of honey with its distinctive qualities.

Geographical and Ecological Features

Refahiye district is located at the intersection of the Eastern Black Sea, Eastern Anatolia, and Central Anatolia regions, exhibiting transitional climatic characteristics. Its altitude, ranging between 1,500 and 2,500 meters, allows both cultivated plants and alpine vegetation to thrive. This geographical and ecological structure results in rich plant biodiversity. The underforest vegetation, grasslands, and pasture ecosystems provide essential nectar and pollen sources for honey production. This natural diversity is considered a key factor in shaping the aromatic and chemical properties of Refahiye Honey.

Product Description and Distinctive Features

Refahiye Honey possesses an aromatic flavor and floral scent derived from the nectar-producing flora of the region. It has a clear and bright appearance; its color varies depending on seasonal conditions, ranging from water-white to light amber, and in some cases to dark amber. It has a fluid consistency and is produced by the Caucasian honeybee (Apis mellifera caucasica) or its hybrids. The long tongue of this bee subspecies (6.6–7.25 mm) enables it to collect nectar from deep-tubed flowers. This subspecies is highly resistant to winter conditions and well adapted to high-altitude environments.

One of the distinguishing features of Refahiye Honey is its high proline content, ranging between 750–1,200 mg/kg, which is an important amino acid parameter indicating the purity and quality of honey. Due to its location at the junction of the Eastern Black Sea, Eastern Anatolia, and Central Anatolia, the district exhibits a transitional climate and a rich flora, making it one of Türkiye’s key genetic and endemism centers. Within the altitude range of 1,500–2,500 m, both cultivated and alpine vegetation coexist. Additionally, the understory vegetation, meadows, and pastures enhance the diversity of nectar sources for bees.

In terms of pollen content, Refahiye Honey is dominated by the Fabaceae family; Liliaceae appears at a secondary level, Cistaceae, Scrophulariaceae, and Lamiaceae at a minor level, and Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Rosaceae, and Fagaceae are present in trace amounts.

Physicochemical Properties

The established standard physicochemical values of Refahiye Honey are as follows:

• Proline content: 750–1,200 mg/kg
• Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF): max. 40 mg/kg
• Sucrose ratio: max. 2%
• Fructose + Glucose content: min. 65%
• Fructose/Glucose ratio: 0.9–1.4
• Moisture content: 16–17%
• Diastase number: min. 8
• Water-insoluble matter: max. 0.1 g/100 g
• Free acidity: max. 50 meq/kg
• Electrical conductivity: max. 0.8 mS/cm
• Difference between protein and raw honey delta C13 values: -1.0 or more positive
• C4 sugar ratio: max. 7%
• Naphthalene (in beeswax): max. 10 ppb

Production Method

Refahiye Honey is produced as blossom honey in accordance with the Turkish Food Codex Honey Communiqué and is offered in two forms: comb honey and extracted honey. Langstroth-type modern hives, compliant with Turkish Standards Institute (TSE) norms, are used.

Beekeeping activities are conducted as stationary beekeeping. However, due to harsh winter conditions, bees are transported for overwintering to suitable areas in Tokat and Sivas provinces.

• Overwintering: In autumn, bees are prepared for winter; empty frames are removed, and colonies are fed with pollen and bee cakes. Wintering areas are isolated from air currents, excessive humidity, and noise. Colonies are placed elevated from the ground; weak colonies are positioned in the middle, while strong colonies are placed on the upper tiers.
• Spring Maintenance: In April, after winter, the hive condition, the presence and egg-laying capacity of the queen bee, food reserves, and possible diseases are checked. Colonies without queens are united or provided with new queens.
• Feeding: In spring, colonies are strengthened with honey, pollen, and bee cakes. Depending on temperature and pollen availability, thick syrup (2 parts sugar/1 part water) is first given, followed later by regular syrup (1:1).
• Comb Preparation: Beeswax obtained from previously used combs is melted and molded for producing foundation combs.
• Nectar Flow Period: The peak flowering period of nectar-rich plants is between July 1 and August 15.
• Honey Harvest: Harvesting is carried out from late August to mid-September. Only combs that are at least two-thirds capped are harvested. Early harvesting is avoided to prevent high moisture content, crystallization, and fermentation risks.
• Extraction and Settling: Fully capped combs are set aside as comb honey; other combs are extracted using honey extractors. Honey is allowed to settle in stainless steel tanks under hygienic conditions, where heavy particles settle at the bottom and air bubbles rise to the surface. Settled honey is then filled into opaque glass jars or tins meeting standard requirements.
• Storage: Honey is stored in clean, dry areas that do not receive direct sunlight and where the temperature does not exceed 25 °C.

Pest Control

Varroa control is performed twice a year: first during the post-wintering period (April) and then after honey harvesting (late September). Licensed medications are applied according to the instructions in the leaflet.

Inspection Process

Inspections are coordinated by the Refahiye District Governorate and carried out by a six-member control authority composed of the Refahiye District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, the Refahiye Agricultural Credit Cooperative, the Refahiye Honey Producers’ Association, Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University Refahiye Vocational School, and the Refahiye Municipality.

Inspections are conducted regularly every six months and additionally when necessary or upon complaints. During inspections, compliance with production methods, taste, smell, aroma, color, bee subspecies, hive type, and floral conditions are examined. Packaging and the proper use of the geographical indication label are also checked.

Producers are required to notify the Refahiye Chamber of Agriculture before starting honey harvesting, and the control authority collects samples to send to laboratories for analysis. The cost of analysis is borne by the producer.