Physicochemical Characteristics of Bee Pollen Collected from Virovitica-Podravina County

Pollen grains are located on the anthers of the flowers, bees collect them and mix them with secretions from their salivary glands and nectar and carry them to the hives in the baskets situated on their hind legs. According to the chemical composition, bee pollen is a mixture of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and other useful substances for the development of bees in the hive. Due to its nutritional value and potential healthful properties, it is valuable product for beekeeper’s income. The aim of this research was to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of bee pollen in relation to the period of collection and geographical origin from different localities in Virovitica-Podravina County. Eleven bee pollen samples were collected from stationary apiaries in the period of April and May 2022.Palynological analysis showed that dominated pollen in five samples was pollen from Brassica sp.; Malus spp. and Salix spp. pollen dominate in two bee pollen samples while two samples had dominating pollen coming from Asteraceae family. Physicochemical analysis showed that pollen collected in the period of April had a lower proportion of ash, total fat and phenols, but a higher proportion of moisture content, proteins and carbohydrates.