Pollen in honey

We are often asked if we know the floral origin of our honey. Our honey is polyfloral – that is, the nectar has originated from different species of flowering plant. The exact floral composition of honey varies greatly through the season, following the succession of flowering plants. Honey composition also varies between locations – it simply depends upon floral diversity around the hives.

All honey contains small quantities of pollen, and analysis of honey under a high powered microscope can reveal its floral source.

Analysis of one of our Oxfordshire spring honey samples:

This analysis below shows the percentage presence of different pollen types. In all, 12 different flower species were identified, the main ones are listed below.

46% Rosaceae: Pyrus, (Pear) Prunus, (Includes Plums and Cherries) Rubus (Includes Raspberry)

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20% Salaceae: Salix (Willows)

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19% Brassicaceae: Brassica (Oilseed rape)

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6% Fabaceae: Vicia (Broad Bean and Field Bean)

This is a typical spring honey, rich in pollen from fruit blossom.

Find out about how pollen is collected.

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