What is 'nectar scoring' in assessing honey quality?

Nectar scoring relates to the evaluation of the sugar levels and flavor profile of nectar, which directly impacts the quality of honey. This process considers the chemical composition of the nectar collected by bees, including the concentration of sugars, which influences the sweetness and overall flavor of the resulting honey. By assessing these attributes, beekeepers can ensure that the honey produced meets specific quality standards and retains the desired characteristics that consumers expect.

In contrast, moisture content plays a critical role in honey preservation but is not part of nectar scoring itself. Determining the age of harvested honey is more about storage conditions and microbial viability than nectar quality. Lastly, while assessing color and viscosity is important for evaluating the appearance and texture of honey, it does not directly relate to the source nectar’s quality, which is what nectar scoring specifically addresses.