Melissopalynological database of Maltese honey samples, with accompanying protocols to determine monofloral honey.

A total of 25 honey samples were sent for melissopalynological analysis to determine monoflorality.
This is part of a project called 'Bee-Optech4Honey', funded by XjenzaMalta. One of the main objectives of this project is to analyse Maltese thyme honey and determine whether or not it is eligible for PGI status. Therefore, one of the tasks of the project was to send Maltese honey samples abroad to be analysed for pollen content, which, in conjunction with physico-chemical analyses, would give us the type of honey analysed. The honey was extracted from the hives of 15 beekeepers by taking honey-laden comb to the laboratory and squeezing through a fine mesh (cheesecloth). Every sample sent abroad contained at least 250 g.
The dataset shows the pollen analysis results as produced by FoodQS GmbH, a German food analysis lab. They followed standard pollen analysis techniques, producing slides of honey which are analysed microscopically. The accompanying protocols are a summary of how these honey samples were analysed melissopalynologically, to determine whether they are monofloral or not. These protocols were outlined by FoodQS GmbH.