Elazığ thistle honey harvest begins in Turkey

The harvest season for thistle honey has begun in the Elazığ province of Turkey, particularly in the high-altitude regions of the Maden and Sivrice districts. This specific honey, produced by bees feeding on thistle nectar, accounts for approximately 90 percent of the province's total honey production.

Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry, Saadettin Taşkesen, stated that the region is working toward becoming a world-class brand. An application for a European Union geographical indication was submitted in 2024, and the process is nearing completion. Currently, around 1,500 families in the region are engaged in beekeeping, managing approximately 110,000 hives with an annual production of about 540 tons.

Local producers report a bountiful season due to increased seasonal rainfall, which has enriched the local flora and provided abundant nectar for the bees. Beekeepers noted that the high quality of the honey drives significant demand from major Turkish cities, including Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.