ROMANIJA HONEY SEEKS PROTECTED DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN STATUS

The procedure for registering a protected designation of origin (PDO) for Romanija honey has officially begun following the submission of an application and the publication of the product specification. Romanija honey is one of the most recognizable products of the region bearing the same name, where the first records of beekeeping date back more than 120 years.

According to the product specification prepared by the Beekeepers’ Association “Glasinac” from Sokolac, Romanija honey would be marketed as meadow honey and forest honey, both of which must meet clearly defined physico-chemical and sensory characteristics.

The monograph “Sokolac, from the Illyrians to the Present Day” notes that, according to the 1895 census, there were 279 beekeepers and 1,706 beehives in the area of today’s Sokolac municipality. This information was published by the Food Safety Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Romanija region is distinguished by specific climatic, soil, and vegetation conditions. Its varied altitude, moderate climate, and rich flora create ideal circumstances for the production of high-quality honey.

The area, characterized by mountainous terrain and extensive forest complexes, also benefits from a unique microclimate that supports excellent nectar flow during the spring and summer seasons.

Based on many years of experience and detailed knowledge of local microclimatic conditions, beekeepers carefully adjust the placement and timing of their apiaries. They closely monitor the flowering of meadow plants and the appearance of honeydew in forest ecosystems, separating meadow and forest honey through distinct extraction processes.

This approach preserves the characteristic qualities of each type of Romanija honey, prevents the mixing of different nectar sources, and contributes to consistent product quality. “The knowledge and experience of beekeepers, passed down through generations, represent a key element in preserving the authenticity and recognizability of Romanija honey,” representatives of the Agency emphasized.

The quality and authenticity of Romanija honey are further reflected in its specific physico-chemical properties, particularly its low water content, which does not exceed 18 percent. This is well below the legally permitted maximum of 20 percent and indicates that the honey is mature, stable, and at low risk of fermentation.