Duzce Chestnut Honey Product Description and Distinguishing Features: Düzce Chestnut Honey is a monofloral honey derived from the blossoms of chestnut trees native to the Düzce region. Known for its distinctive flavor and aroma unique to chestnuts, it leaves a slightly bitter aftertaste in the mouth and throat. This honey features a dark brown hue and undergoes slow crystallization, forming very fine crystals when it eventually solidifies. The main nectar source for Düzce Chestnut Honey is chestnut pollen (Castanea sativa Miller). Alongside it, secondary pollen sources include species such as acacia (Acacia subs.), locust (Astragalus subs.), citrus (Citrus subs.), laurel (Lauraceae), heather (Ericaceae), corn (Poaceae), thyme (Thymus subs.), and lime (Tilia subs.). The native plant diversity found in Düzce contributes secondary pollens that enrich the aromatic profile of Düzce Chestnut Honey. Around 80% of the pollen content in this honey originates from chestnut (Castanea sativa Miller), while lime pollen (Tilia subs.) makes up roughly 5%, thyme pollen (Thymus subs.) accounts for 3%, and heather pollen (Ericaceae) comprises about 1%. Düzce experiences a humid and mildly temperate climate, typical of the Western Black Sea region. However, the area's geographic features moderate this climate, creating localized climatic variations. Positioned at the meeting point of Black Sea (Euro-Siberian) and Mediterranean vegetation zones, this region boasts rich biodiversity. Forests cover approximately 47.95% of central Düzce, 56.13% of Gümüşova, 65.99% of Gölyaka, 17.59% of Çilimli, and 43.05% of Cumayeri. The north-facing hillsides are home to broadleaf species such as beech, chestnut, oak, hornbeam, linden, maple, and sweetgum, which are typical of Black Sea flora. The south-facing slopes are home to a pseudo-maquis vegetation dominated by shrub species such as holly, sandalwood, laurel, wild pear, mastic, heather, and fir, all typical of the Mediterranean flora. In addition to these, the area also supports a wide variety of herbaceous and woody plants. Thanks to this rich botanical diversity, the region enjoys an extended blooming season from April to October, which contributes to the production of honey with a high nectar and pollen content. These natural resources are the primary factors influencing the flavor, sugar levels, aroma, color, smell, and crystallization rate of the honey produced. With its favorable landscape and flora, Düzce province offers ideal conditions for beekeeping. Around 50% of the region's land area is covered by forests, and it has long been known for its abundance of chestnut trees. Furthermore, the existence of a distinct local bee ecotype confirms that Düzce possesses unique ecological traits that support the advancement of apiculture and related activities. The chestnut tree has a blooming period of roughly one month, making it crucial to quickly capitalize on the rich nectar available during this short window. This requirement brings attention to the Yığılca bee, known for its exceptional honey production. The Yığılca bee is not only resistant to cold weather but also perfectly adapted to local conditions, delivering nearly three times more honey than other bee ecotypes.