The product name is now protected at the national level, which will open up the possibility of protecting it at the international level in the future.
The Ukrainian National Office of Intellectual Property and Innovation (UKRNIPI/IP office) has registered geographical indication (GZ) Honeysteppe frumushika.
The applicant for registration was the public union "Agro-ecological and recreational cluster "Frumushyka-Nova" in Tarutino district of Odesa region (Bessarabia). Until 1946, the village of Frumushyka Nova existed on this territory, which was destroyed by the Soviet authorities in connection with the construction of a military training ground. In fact, these factors are the reason for the name of the GP.
Features.
The new GZ protects the natural flower or honeydew honey (i.e. produced by bees by collecting and processing nectar) of the wild steppe flora of the Tarutino Steppe.
It has a brownish yellow colour with a greenish tint. It smells of white fruits, dried grass and wax. The taste is also bright, with notes of white fruit, apple, pear, with a slight acidity and bitterness in the aftertaste.
Geography and flora
The area where Frumushyka Steppe Honey is produced is characterised by a combination of climatic, biological and human factors that make it unique. In the past, the presence of a military training ground with a large security zone on the territory of the Tarutino Steppe created conditions similar to the natural requirements of the steppe ecosystem with no ploughing. Areas of steppe vegetation with gully forests and shrubs have been preserved nearby.
There are over 650 species of vascular plants in the Tarutino Steppe, of which more than 30 are listed in the regional, national and international Red Data Books. There is a large number of medicinal and honey plants. These include:
- white acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia), which grows here in the wild,
- common bruise (Echium vulgare),
- Astragalus onobrychis,
- sandy sainfoin (Onobrychis arenaria) and many others.
Production
Bessarabia's beekeeping has a long history and traditions, which are based on a number of factors:
- specific temperate continental climate;
- the unique flora that produces nectar with a specific taste and aroma inherent in this particular region.
All the processes of producing Steppe Frumushyk Honey (preparation of hives, checking the health of bee colonies, placing apiaries, selecting frames, pumping, settling, filtering, packaging and storage, etc.) are strictly regulated and take place exclusively within the designated zone.
In addition to beekeeping, the region is also famous for other products and traditional crafts that are an expression of the region's uniqueness and authenticity. In particular, there used to be registered GPs Frumushika wine and Lamb Frumushika.
For reference:
Geographical indication - is an opportunity to protect traditions, confirm quality, and increase product recognition in the market. For the regions, it is a tool for cultural positioning, economic growth and tourist attraction.
The registration of the GP allows:
- protect the product name at the national and international levels;
- increase consumer confidence and expand sales markets;
- preserve unique knowledge and traditions;
- stimulate the development of related sectors: gastronomy, creative industries, and local business.
Source: https://nipo.gov.ua