Pollen analysis of Apis cerana honey from Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Honey is a natural product from honeybees which has many health benefits. Examination on pollen diversity in honey can be used as an indicator for the authenticity and quality of honey. The present study reported pollen diversity on 12 honey samples produced by Apis cerana Fab. The samples were collected from local farmers in various areas of Java Island, Indonesia. The objective of this study was to reveal pollen diversity in honey as a scientific evidence of the botanical origin and the authenticity of honey samples. Results indicated that all honey samples have diverse pollen grains with no particular pollen type dominating, and thus all honey samples were classified as multifloral honey. Pollen diversity in honey was strongly reflected different vegetation condition of the farming sites, and thus confirming the botanical origin and geographical origin of the samples.