"Domestic is not Acacia Honey"... Rural Development Administration, Domestic is 'Akasi Honey'

【Financial News Jeonju=Kang In Reporter】 The Rural Development Administration and Livestock Product Quality Evaluation Institute announced on the 29th that they will launch a campaign to promote the correct name and functional information of Akasi honey, as well as the honey grading system.

After the Korea-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was signed, there is a great concern that imported Vietnamese acacia honey and domestic Akasi honey may be confused, so they have started to promote accurate terminology.

The domestic Akasi honey, known as 'Acacia honey', is collected from the 'Akasi tree' (Robinia pseudoacacia), and its correct name is Akasi honey. The Akasi tree is different from the acacia plant. The National Institute of Korean Language also standardizes 'Akasi tree', and the Livestock Product Grading Detailed Standards (Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs notice) also defines it as Akasi honey.

Akasi honey accounts for about 70% of domestic honey production, making it a representative domestic honey. Its subtle aroma, clear color, and soft sweetness make it highly preferred by consumers.

According to research by the Rural Development Administration, it was confirmed that 'abscisic acid', which is effective in inhibiting Helicobacter pylori, is contained in much higher amounts than in other imported honeys.

The Livestock Product Quality Evaluation Institute operates a 'honey grading system' to evaluate the quality of domestic honey. The honey grading system classifies honey into 1+ grade, 1 grade, and 2 grade based on eight criteria, including moisture and carbon isotope ratio. Consumers can immediately check the traceability information through the grade indicated on the packaging and the QR code.

Han Sang-mi, head of the beekeeping department at the Rural Development Administration, said, "By informing the clear name and functionality of domestic Akasi honey, we will create an environment where consumers can trust and choose our honey," and added, "We will continue to strive to accurately deliver information related to beekeeping products that are essential to the public."



kang1231@fnnews.com Kang In Reporter