The aim of the study. The objective of this study was to investigate microscopic, physical and chemical properties of bee bread collected in three regions of Latvia in order to compare the quality and to investigate the possibility of producing granules containing bee bread. Material and methods. Microscopic analysis of bee bread samples was performed. Plant herbaria, special literature and internet sources were used for identification of pollen. Thin layer chromatography was used for identification of carotenoids and flavonoids. Granules were prepared by wet granulation method. Lactose, calcium lactate, calcium carbonate, potato starch and purified water were used as excipients. Appearance, loss on drying, pH of aqueous solution and content of carotenes were estimated. Results. Microscopic analysis showed mostly native pollen identified as willow pollen. Beta-carotene identified and 2 carotenoids found by thin layer chromatography. Two zones of flavonoids found on chromatograms at day light and 6 zones at ultra violet light. The comparison of bee bread samples of 3 regions of Latvia showed insignificant differences in appearance and consistency, hydrogen ion concentration 3.93–4.23, loss on drying 7.72–11.07 %; content of carotenes calculated to bcarotene 6.77–9.35 mg%. Stability study of bee bread samples showed greater changes after storage at 40ºC temperature. All compositions of granules showed appropriate appearance and flowability. Quality of granules: loss on drying 5.48–13.5%, content of carotenes calculated to b-carotene 5.77–6.75 mg%. Conclusions. Pollen of willow can be considered as an indicator of the origin of bee bread in Latvia. Bee bread samples of three regions of Latvia have insignificant differences in physical, chemical parameters.
