Guide to Iberian monofloral honeys

01 · WHAT EACH PROFILE PROVIDES

From flower to jar: sensory, analytical and geographical context

Each profile begins with the plant’s common and scientific names, an image of the flower and a microscopic pollen reference. It then structures visual appearance, direct and retronasal aroma, taste, mouthfeel and crystallisation tendency. Production area, usual harvest period, pollen spectrum and a reference minimum pollen percentage complete the page. This makes it possible to compare a sample with a multidimensional pattern instead of relying only on colour or one isolated aroma note.

02 · PARAMETERS AT A GLANCE

Physicochemical values shown alongside organoleptic observation

Depending on the honey, the sheets cover colour in millimetres Pfund, moisture, fructose plus glucose, sucrose, electrical conductivity, free acidity, HMF, diastase activity and special markers. The layout helps readers find a value and interpret it within the full profile. It is practical for preparing a tasting, reading a laboratory report, training a packing team or explaining why honeys from different floral origins can look, taste and crystallise differently.

03 · THE EDITION’S ACTUAL COVERAGE

36 monofloral honeys and 7 recurring Iberian plant landscapes

The selection ranges from acacia, citrus blossom, heathers, calluna, chestnut, spike lavender, lavandin, eucalyptus and sunflower to strawberry tree, oak honeydew, rosemary, thyme and blackberry, among others. It also profiles high mountain, forest, garrigue, Lamiaceae, mountain, meadow and sierra communities. The final section summarises the Spanish PDO and PGI sheets included in 2023. The authors explicitly note that some local, occasional and highly variable multifloral honeys are outside its scope.

04 · HOW TO USE IT RESPONSIBLY

A pollen percentage or one table alone does not certify a name

Floral-origin assessment should combine sensory, physicochemical and pollen evidence with origin and traceability. Limits, flowering patterns and geographical schemes reflect the fourth edition of June 2023; vegetation, PDO or PGI specifications and legislation may change. Before labelling, certifying or deciding an uncertain sample, check the current rules and product specifications and use a competent laboratory where appropriate. The guide supports comparison and interpretation; it does not replace testing or certify a batch by itself.

Beekeepers, packers, honey tasters, quality teams, educators and advanced consumers who want to connect landscape, analysis and sensory experience.

The content is in Spanish. Use the data as a technical guide to this edition and always check current legal and quality-scheme requirements before labelling or certification.