Agri Astragalus Honey Product Description and Distinguishing Features: Ağrı Geven Honey is a monofloral filtered honey obtained from the geven plants growing within the geographical boundaries. It ranges in color from light yellow to orange and has a thick consistency. While being slightly viscous, it has a taste that, when consumed, creates a sensation of throat warmth. Ağrı Geven Honey is produced by colonies of Caucasian bees (Apis mellifera caucasia). The longer tongue of the Caucasian bee allows it to access the plant nectars more easily. The long-standing beekeeping with Caucasian bees in the region has enabled this bee race to adapt to the conditions of the area. Ağrı Geven Honey is dominantly composed of at least 50% geven (Astragalus) pollens, secondarily of at least 3% Asteraceae pollens, and at least 1% of Rosaceae, Lamiaceae, Lauraceae, and Apiaceae family pollens.The proline content in Ağrı Geven Honey is at least 400 mg/kg, and the moisture content is at most 18%. The low moisture content is attributed to the deep valleys in the Ağrı province's geography and the high daily temperatures during the summer months. The HMF (hydroxymethylfurfural) value is at most 30 mg/kg. Ağrı Province is located within the Upper Murat Basin in the Eastern Anatolia Region. The region, characterized by significant elevation differences, consists of three main geomorphological units: mountainous-hilly areas, plains, and valleys. As one moves from the plain bases towards the surroundings, elevation gradually increases, and valleys deepen. Short distances within Ağrı Province reveal substantial elevation variations due to the coexistence of plains with high mountainous-hilly areas. The elevation difference between valley floors and the surrounding high mountainous areas often exceeds 1000 m in many places. Therefore, the mountains surrounding the plains in Ağrı, besides shaping the landscape, also contribute to creating a basin-like structure for the region. The majority of the plains are covered by mountains, and the flatlands have an average elevation reaching 2000 m. The significant portion of Ağrı's geography consisting of pastures and grazing lands enhances the quality of honey. Additionally, the low intensity of agricultural activities in the cultivated areas contributes positively to the conservation of bee populations. Geographically, Ağrı Province is well-suited for beekeeping activities during the summer months, providing a continuous presence of green and flowering plants depending on elevation. The microclimates created by the topographical differences and the diverse flora due to elevation changes contribute to a longer beekeeping season. The region has a rich floral diversity, and the elevation-dependent blooming of plants in the highlands and mountains, along with the abundance of region-specific flowers, makes it suitable for beekeeping. The variations in temperature between the valley and plain areas with significant elevation differences and the mountainous and hilly areas are noticeable over short distances. This leads to differences in vegetation cycles, allowing for the presence of perennially flowering plants during the spring and summer seasons. Beekeepers in the region relocate their hives several times during the flowering seasons, settling in valley bottoms during spring and moving to high plateaus and mountain slopes in midsummer. The topography and microclimates in Ağrı contribute to an extended beekeeping season. Ağrı Geven Honey is harvested only once a year, between August 15 and September 10, from the upper hive box. Harvesting from the lower part (brood chamber) of the hive is not conducted.Astragalus (geven) genus, a phytogeographical zone characteristic in Ağrı Province, is widely present. Astragalus ssp. and Artemisias spp. are well-developed herbaceous plants with a strong resistance against erosion and well-developed root systems. Numerous species of Astragalus (geven) grow abundantly throughout the Ağrı region. In areas with dense growth of geven, bees utilize geven flowers and pollens to produce geven honey. A distinctive feature of Ağrı Geven Honey is the inclusion of pollens from the Apiaceae family, which has adapted to the region's geographical characteristics, in addition to geven plant pollens and nectar. Beekeeping is a significant livelihood in Ağrı, and traditional honey festivals and tasting events held annually after the harvest have turned into social activities that bring beekeepers and the local community together.