Tu1, Pine Honey
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The honey
Pine honey is a natural product created when honeybees collect the secretions of the pine cotton scale insect (Marchalina hellenica) living on Pinus brutia or Pinus pinea, modify them with their own enzymes, and then store and ripen them in honeycomb cells. This process is entirely natural and involves no artificial intervention. The product is based on the symbiotic relationship between forest ecosystems and honeybees.
Characteristics of the Honey: COLOR: Light amber with greenish-yellow reflections. TASTE: Slightly woody and resinous, less sweet compared to blossom honey. AROMA: Distinct, smoky, and natural aroma influenced by red pine forests. CRYSTALLIZATION: Resistant to crystallization due to its low glucose content; this extends shelf life and enhances consumer satisfaction. Physiocemichal Properties: Property Value: Moisture 16,07% Electrical Conductivity 1,37 mS/cm Viscosity 27,42 Pa.s Proline (protein indicator) 408,57 mg/kg Diastase Number 14,11 Free Acidity 18,57 meq/kg Fructose + Glucose 54,28 % Sucrose 1,84 % Ash Content 0,70 % Source: Data obtained from the study “Physical, Chemical, and Mineral Profile of Pine Honey Produced in Türkiye”, conducted in partnership between the Turkish Association of Beekeepers and the General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies. Mineral Content: Pine honey is particularly rich in potassium and contains minerals essential for human health, such as phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, and iron, all found in high amounts. Heavy metal analyses of pine honey have shown no presence of toxic elements such as mercury, arsenic, tin, or cobalt. This confirms that pine honey is a safe product for human consumption. Source: Data obtained from the study “Physical, Chemical, and Mineral Profile of Pine Honey Produced in Türkiye”, conducted in partnership between the Turkish Association of Beekeepers and the General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies. International Significance and Export Position: Between 90–95% of the honey exported from Türkiye is pine honey. This ratio makes pine honey a strategic product not only for Türkiye but also for global honey trade. Pine honey is in high demand in European countries such as Germany and is preferred for its low tendency to crystallize and balanced flavor. Its low sugar content, high resistance to crystallization, long shelf life, and rich mineral composition are the main factors behind its preference. Due to its low glucose/fructose ratio and rich microbial profile, pine honey can also be considered a functional food. Geographical Indications and Scientific Activities: • Between 2015–2020, a comprehensive project on pine honey was carried out with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, resulting in several scientific publications. • In 2021, the Turkish Standards Institute (TSE) published the pine honey standard. • There are three geographically indicated products: Muğla Pine Honey, Marmaris Pine Honey, and Turkish Pine Honey. • Since 2008, the International Beekeeping and Pine Honey Congress, held in Muğla, has supported the scientific and sectoral development of this product. Why Turkish Pine Honey? Reliable supplier with global leadership status Rich in minerals and antioxidants Growing international demand as a functional food Long shelf life and low crystallization tendency The beekeeping
Türkiye’s Beekeeping Potential:
• Türkiye is home to 13,414 plant taxa, 4,319 of which are endemic. • In addition, there are more than 600 medicinal plant species. This rich flora allows bee products produced in Türkiye to have a high phenolic and flavonoid content. • Of the 27 honey bee species found worldwide, 6 are present in Türkiye. • With 8.9 million beehives, Türkiye ranks 3rd in the world. • The country has the potential for beekeeping activities to be carried out for up to 9 months of the year. • In honey production, Türkiye ranks 2nd in the world with an annual production of 95,492 tonnes. • There are 97,984 registered beekeeping enterprises in the country. Pine Honey Production Area: Türkiye is the world leader in pine honey production, accounting for 90% of global output. This unique honey is predominantly produced in the pine forests around Muğla. Other important production centers include İzmir, Aydın, Manisa, Balıkesir, Antalya, and Çanakkale. Türkiye’s 114,000 hectares of Pinus species forests enable the sustainable production of this honey. Pine Honey Production Season: Pine Honey is produced by beekeepers between 15 August and 30 November. As pine honey production is highly dependent on climatic conditions, beekeepers can harvest it 2–3 times during the season, depending on weather conditions and the strength of their bee colonies. Typically, the first harvest takes place in September, the second in October, and the third in November |
