How AI Can Reveal Where Your Honey Comes From — A Look at Mineral Fingerprints

Ever wondered whether that expensive jar of “acacia honey” is the real deal? Or if the origin listed on the label truly reflects the soil and flowers it came from? In a new study, researchers used machine learning and mineral analysis to uncover the botanical and geographical roots of honey — all without needing a microscope. The Science Behind It When bees produce honey, they also carry tiny traces of minerals from the plants and soil around them. These mineral fingerprints — elements like calcium, magnesium, or zinc — vary depending on the environment. By measuring them, we can build a kind of chemical signature for each honey. ...

July 30, 2025