With over 40 years in the field of varietal honeys, Amina Harris has a unique background as the founding director of the Honey and Pollination Center, UC Davis. Upon entering the Center’s office, visitors gaze at the over 200 honey samples that line the shelves. “Understanding each unique varietal honey is what the Center is all about,” explains Harris. The Center is focusing more and more on understanding honey and honey adulteration. She says, “We have no easy way to prove that the honey in the jar is what is on the label. Few countries have guidelines for varietal honey labeling and as more and more consumers select these varietals, it is imperative to train them to understand and taste for these differences.” In addition to leading the Center, Harris is owner of Z Specialty Food, LLC, a honey company that has won numerous awards from the Specialty Food Association and the National Honey Board.

Orietta Gianjorio has been working with the Center since 2014 as both a taster and a teacher. Trained as a 3rd Level Sommelier, Gianjorio is now also certified in the fields of olive oil, chocolate and honey. She is sought after as a judge in both olive oil and wine throughout California. She is a certified ‘Expert’, having completed all three levels, of the Italian National Register of Experts in Sensory Analysis of Honey. Gianjorio has amassed a collection of honeys and has been brought in as a leading taster for honey companies and courses. She explains, “I want our students to have a complete understanding of ‘true to type’ – pure varietal honey. They need to be able to tell when a mono floral honey is exactly what it says on the label – or if it is not.”