Tasmanian researchers have discovered 12 previously unknown compounds in the state’s famous leatherwood honey, potentially protecting the premium product from fake versions flooding global markets.
The breakthrough study examined leatherwood honey in unprecedented detail for the first time.
It identified the natural compounds responsible for the honey’s distinctive sweet, floral and earthy flavour that commands premium prices worldwide.
Dr Katharina Schmidt from the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture led the research after starting her PhD in 2019.
“These special compounds are very useful for authentication of leatherwood Honey which is a major issue for the industry,” she said.
The newly discovered compounds include vanillic acid, lumichrome and lumiflavin.
Several have proven antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Dr Schmidt said the findings create a “chemical fingerprint” that makes counterfeiting much harder.
“The risk of falsifying leatherwood honey in the future would be harder because the unique characteristics could be detected,” she said.
“It could boost the honey’s value for industry. The consumer can also be sure that what they’re buying is also authentic.”
Leatherwood honey comes exclusively from Tasmania’s wet wilderness forests on the West Coast.
The leatherwood tree flowers only every few years, making the honey rare and highly sought after.
Tasmanian Beekeepers Association president Lindsay Bourke said the research confirms what producers always knew – that leatherwood honey is “something truly special”.
“Leatherwood honey is one of Tasmania’s most iconic natural products,” he said.
“This new research adds real scientific weight to what we’ve been telling the world – that our honey is not only rare, but it’s packed with natural benefits.”
The study was part of the nationwide Cooperative Research Centre for Honey Bee Products and funded partly by the Tasmanian Beekeepers Association.
