Yenice Ihlamur Balı

Yenice Ihlamur Balı is a floral honey produced by bees collecting nectar from silver linden (Tilia tomentosa Moench) and Caucasian linden (Tilia rubra DC. subsp. caucasica) trees that grow naturally in the Yenice district of Karabük province in the Western Black Sea region of Turkey. The European Commission entered it in the Union register of protected designations of origin on 20 November 2025, by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2340, published in Official Journal L, 2025/2340. The application was submitted by Karabük Province Beekeepers Association. The Turkish domestic GI registration was published in TÜRKPATENT Official e-Bulletin No. 1456 dated 14 December 2022 and officially registered on 22 August 2023.

Classified as an underrepresented monofloral honey with low pollen representation, Yenice Ihlamur Balı is produced entirely within the Yenice district. The World Wide Fund for Nature identified the Yenice Forests in 1999 as one of the 100 most biologically rich forests in Europe urgently requiring protection, and one of 122 significant natural areas in Turkey.

What makes it distinct

Yenice Ihlamur Balı is characterised by a distinctive and diverse floral composition produced within a geographically limited forested area. Melissopalynological analysis confirms that the honey must contain Tilia sp. pollen along with pollen from at least two of seven defined taxa: Sambucus, Clematis vitalba, Paliurus spina-christi, Erica, and members of the Rosaceae family — specifically Rubus, Crataegus, and Rosa. In total, pollen from 86 plant taxa native to the Yenice forests has been identified in the honey, contributing to its complex botanical origin.

The rugged topography of the Yenice district is fundamental to the product's character. The difficult terrain prevents human collection of linden leaves and flowers, leaving linden trees as an undisturbed nectar source for honeybees. The same rugged geography has kept settlement areas limited and prevented industrial development, preserving the forest ecosystem's pristine condition and protecting the honey from pollution.

87 percent of Yenice district is covered with forests hosting 312 plant taxa, 51 of which are endemic. The district lies in a climatic transition zone between Black Sea and continental influences, creating a microclimate in the valley formed by the Yenice River that generates precipitation across all seasons, cold winters, cool summers, and a generally humid, rainy, and foggy climate.

Physical and chemical properties

The following quality parameters are taken directly from the Single Document (OJ C/2025/4398):

Physicochemical properties:

• Proline (mg/kg; minimum): 300

• Fructose + Glucose (g/100 g; minimum): 60

• Diastase Number (minimum): 8

• HMF (mg/kg; maximum): 18

• Fructose/Glucose ratio: 0.9–1.4

• Humidity (% maximum): 20

• Sucrose (g/100 g; maximum): 4

• Maltose (% maximum): 4

• Free acidity (meq/kg; maximum): 50

• Water-insoluble substance (g/100 g; maximum): 0.1

Organoleptic characteristics: Colour varies from yellow to amber. Taste and aroma are specific to the linden flora from which it is derived. Fluid consistency; does not create a bitter taste in the mouth or throat. Under proper storage conditions, partially or slowly crystallizes to a moderate level, forming soft crystal granules that do not leave an unpleasant taste on the tongue. The distinctive fragrance of linden flowers is clearly perceived when the hive cover is opened or when extracted honeycomb honey is removed from packaging.

Pollen profile requirements

The pollen profile of Yenice Ihlamur Balı must be consistent with a defined taxon list. The honey must contain Tilia sp. pollen together with pollen from at least two of the following seven primary taxa: Sambucus, Clematis vitalba, Paliurus spina-christi, Erica, Rubus, Crataegus, and Rosa. The broader pollen spectrum must also include representatives from the floristic profile defined in the Single Document, which encompasses 86 taxa including — among others — Castanea sativa, Rhododendron sp., Trifolium sp., Salix sp., Betula sp., and Origanum sp. Not all taxa are required to be present simultaneously.

Production zone

The geographical area for production consists of the Yenice district within Karabük province. Karabük province is located in the Western Black Sea section of the Black Sea Region of Turkey. All steps of production must take place within this defined geographical area.

The Yenice district is characterised by a rugged forested landscape where 87 percent of the territory is forest. The Yenice River runs through the district, creating a valley microclimate. The area has no heavy industrial enterprises, and the local population derives its livelihood primarily from the forest. This limited human impact has preserved the ecosystem's integrity and is directly reflected in the quality of the honey.

Control and certification

The competent control authority named in the Register Extract is:

• Karabük Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry — Yeşil Mah. Atatürk Boulevard No:19, Karabük