Abstract
The study was designed to evaluate the melissopalynological profile and microbiological quality of honey produced in the Waghimra Administrative Zone of the Amhara region, Ethiopia. It also sought to assess the impact of agroecology (lowland, midland, and highland) and sampling sources (beekeepers, SDARC apiary site, and local honey traders) on honey quality. A total of 27 honey samples were collected from three agroecological districts within the Waghimra Administrative Zone. Honey pollen analysis was conducted using the harmonized methods of melissopalynology, and 27 honey plant species and 16 plant families were identified across the three agroecological regions of the study area. 48.2% were multifloral honeys, and approximately 51.8% were monofloral honeys. Standard microbiological methods were employed to evaluate the microbial loads of the honey samples. Staphylococcus, total coliform, and fecal coliforms were not detected in any of the honey samples analyzed. However, total viable count, spore‐forming bacteria, yeast, and molds were detected, with the mean load of 0.92 × 10
2
, 0.22 × 10
2
, 0.95 × 10
2
, and 0.5 × 10
2
CFU/g, respectively. Generally, the honey produced in Waghimra Administrative Zone, which originated from different floras, had excellent microbiological quality. Further research should be implemented to establish the specific microbiological quality of Ethiopian honey.