engleski

Pollen spectrum of Hedera helix (Common ivy) honey

Hedera helix (common ivy) honey is an autumnal honey rarely found in Croatia. Since monofloral honeys are considered as the highest quality product and are sold all over the world at higher prices than multifloral honeys, it is of great importance to ensure that it meets requirements for palinologycal, organoleptic, physical, and chemical properties. Common ivy is a perennial, evergreen climbing vine which can act as ground cover as well as a climber. It is also widely used as an ornamental green facade. Ivy produces nectar rich flowers from the end of summer until the end of autumn and this is the time when other food sources for honey bees are limited. Five samples were analysed and 300 pollen grains were identified and counted with an Olympus BX52 microscope at 400× magnification. According to Croatian legislation honey is considered unifloral if the pollen frequency of one plant is larger than 45 % with exceptions to this due to ‘under’ and ‘over’ representation. All five samples met the criteria, ranging from 46-82 % of Hedera pollen. The organoleptic analysis revealed fine chrystals in samples. Colour was light do dark brown and the scent herbal and of strong intensity.

colour ; melissopalinology ; monofloral honey ; scent ; organoleptic analysis

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