An evaluation of local thyme honey

Abstract

Maltese Thyme honey is one of the most important honey types in our local industry. Thyme honey is renowned as an early summer honey. Many local consumers are eager to buy this local honey but sometimes individuals query whether such honey is really thyme honey or a multilfloral honey type. One of the methods used to determine this is by Melissopalynology, i.e. the study of pollens in honey. As a matter of fact, this study aimed at the quantification of wild thyme pollens in different thyme honey samples. As this was a pilot study, four honey samples were selected and analysed for their pollen content. The honey samples were wrumed, mixed well and then centrifuged to deposit the pollen grains. The pollen pellet was dispersed in ethanol and then fixed onto slides. Basic fuchsin in glycerin was dropped onto the slide and a coverslip was used to seal the sample. Microscopic examination was carried out and pollen grains were counted. These were categorized either as wild thyme pollens or 'other' pollens. It was observed that the Maltese honey samples contain a high proportion of thyme pollens, up to 96% in some cases. However this result is not definite as this high proportion may arise due to initial sampling of the honey from the large filling containers, and the sampling of honey prior to pollen isolation and slide preparation. Authentication of wild thyme honey is an important way forward to the local honey industry. This will increase the confidence of local and foreign consumers in the local honey product.