The aroma of Cretan thyme honey is unique and differs from it of thyme honey in the rest of Greece. This is the conclusion reached by specialists from one of the laboratories of the Polytechnic University of Crete, led by Professor Elia Psillaki.

As part of the research program of the Crete region, they conducted a highly specialized analysis of the aromatic profile of Cretan thyme honey. For almost a year, the laboratory collected more than 50 samples of thyme honey from various regions of Greece (from mainland and islands), about 30 of which were from the island of Crete.

The analyses have shown that Cretan thyme honey has a unique aroma. Its uniqueness is due to the biodiversity, the endemic plants of the island, the geomorphology of the soil, the geographical position of Crete and its climate.

The results of the above-mentioned studies were presented on March 6 at the general meeting of the Chania Prefecture Beekeepers Association “Bee”. The president of association Theodoros Viglis stressed the importance of these results, especially in the international market, which is flooded with adulterated honey.

What should a consumer do to be sure that he has bought real Creta honey and not a fake one?

What is this “Greek honey” that is actually… a Chinese syrup?

It has become difficult to determine which honey is real and which is artificial. Adulterated with Chinese syrups honey comes through Ukraine and Bulgaria. These syrups are colorless and odorless. The fake honey passes through special filters, removing all pollen grains, so that the geographical and botanical origin of it cannot be determined.

The labels on the honey jars are misleading. A label says “Greek honey” and on the back, in small letters that no one can read, is other country of origin, creating the false impression that the product is Greek honey.

It even goes so far that several kilograms of Cretan/Greek honey are diluted with a ton of syrup to produce a mix called then Cretan honey.

Of course, it is better to make purchases from a familiar producer that you can trust, or to buy honey from Cretan beekeepers in a supermarket in Crete, where on the shelves, in addition to honey from large companies, there is also farm honey. A small Cretan producer sells only real honey.

In the picture: Professor Elia Psillaki and the president of the Beekeepers Association of Chania “Bee” Theodoros Viglis.