Although Greece has more than 6,000 plant species, only three varieties of honey have obtained a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). This enormous potential remains untapped, not only in terms of standardization and exports, but also in the formation of a national identity for Greek honey, with a documented flavor profile and a clear connection to the method of origin.

The Greek specificity of nomadic beekeeping

As a Mediterranean country, Greece is characterized by dry-thermal conditions, resulting in periods during the year when flowering is limited or completely and abruptly interrupted. These gaps in flowering lead to reduced food availability for bees, and therefore reduced honey production.

However, the country's terrain is ideal for nomadic beekeeping and requires knowledge, respect and constant monitoring of nature to be able to fill this gap in production. "In Greece, beekeepers move depending on the flowering season to mountainous areas, which is why we have, for example, oak honey," explains Ms. Tananaki to Cantina.

These are the three Greek honeys that are PDO

Mainalos Fir Honey Vanilla (1996)
Light in color, with a bright appearance and mild flavor, it stands out for its distinctive "reflections", the result of a natural crystallization phenomenon that gives it the name "vanilla". It is produced in the fir forests of Mainalos in the Peloponnese.

Crete Thyme Honey (2017)
A natural “blend” of thyme honey and pine honey, due to the special flora of Crete and the coexistence of flowering thyme with pine honeydew, mainly from the insect Marchalina hellenica.

Kissouri Honey (2024)
The country’s most recent PDO honey, originating from Karystos, Evia. It is produced in the autumn from the purple heather (Erica manipulliflora or Erica verticillata) which thrives in the area and is characterized by a dark color with copper highlights, a bitter aftertaste and intense, herbal aromas.

It is worth noting that recently, some regions have been claiming similar recognition. For example, the honey “Anamma Ikarias” has already begun the registration process.

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