Ardahan Flower Honey Product Description and Distinguishing Features: The color of honey is transparent with a glossy sheen, ranging from light amber to dark amber. The shade can change depending on seasonal factors such as dry or rainy weather, or the effect of frost on the surrounding vegetation. Typically, honey is yellowish, and at times it may appear khaki, influenced by the color of the flower from which the bee gathers nectar. Taste: It has a delightful flavor that comes from the aromas of the honey plants in the region, leaving a gentle burning sensation in the throat. Aroma: The honey carries the fragrance of the honey plants grown locally. Consistency: The honey has a fluid texture. Filtered honeys crystallize into a smooth, creamy texture after about two months at room temperature, or even sooner when stored at temperatures below room temperature. Bee Race: One of the key factors that highlight the distinctive qualities of Ardahan Flower Honey is the bee race, which is the "Caucasian bee" (Apis mellifera caucasica). This particular bee species has the longest proboscis (6.7-7.2 mm) among honey bees. With this characteristic, it effectively collects nectar from deep-tubed flowers, such as those from the Boraginaceae and Fabaceae families, which are abundant in Ardahan. It particularly benefits from the tri-leaf flower, a common deep-tubed plant. This bee is also capable of working in low temperatures and unfavorable climatic conditions. It tends to build irregular bridge combs and seals the comb cells tightly without leaving air gaps between the honey and wax, giving comb honey a dark and moist appearance. The characteristics of the Caucasian bee race are governed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's Regulation No. 2004/39 on the "Registration of Domestic Animal Breeds and Lines." In accordance with the Ministry's directives, to protect the breed's unique traits, Ardahan province has been designated as an "isolated zone", preventing bee entry from other provinces, except for Artvin. The enforcement of this regulation is a joint effort between the Caucasian Bee Production, Training, and Gene Center Directorate and the Ardahan Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry. The Caucasian bee species has a limited ability to survive harsh winter conditions. Due to the severe winters in Ardahan, honey producers who lack the proper facilities move their bees to Artvin, where the microclimate is milder. Beekeepers in Ardahan who are equipped with suitable wintering conditions—such as a humid-free, ventilated, closed, and sheltered environment—keep their bees in the region during winter. Those who winter their bees in Artvin and come to Ardahan during the working season have their accommodation arranged by the Ardahan Governorate. Beekeepers who remain in Ardahan during the working season stay on lands suitable for Ardahan Flower Honey production or in designated areas approved by the Ardahan Governorate.