Honey of different botanical origin: quality requirements

Abstract

Goal. To study the organoleptic and physicochemical properties of honey of different botanical origin, which was selected during the organized by NRC «Institute of Beekeeping named after P.I. Prokopovych» exhibition trade fair «Beekeeping -2023 (summer)», and check it for compliance with current regulatory documentation. Methods. The analysis of organoleptic and physicochemical characteristics of honey samples was carried out under DSTU 4497:2005 «Natural honey. Specifications». Melisopalynological analysis was carried out using the microscopic method, and the identification of honey bee pollen grains was carried out with the help of an atlas and the use of electronic pollen databases [Pal dat]. Results. 27 samples of honey of different botanical origin were analyzed. All samples had a liquid consistency; the color of honey, depending on the botanical origin, varied from transparent, light yellow, yellow to dark with a brown tint. As for the physicochemical properties, acacia honey had a moisture content of 16.6–18.2%; from buckwheat 17.0–18.6%, from linden — 17.2±0.4%, and from various herbs — 18.8±0.7%. Acacia honey was characterized by the lowest average value of enzymatic activity — 12.0±0.9 Gote units, and buckwheat honey had the highest diastase rate 37.6±4.6 Gote units. The content of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in acacia honey varied from 1.24 to 13.3 mg/kg, in buckwheat honey — from 1.92 to 17.5 mg/kg, in linden honey — from 1.53 to 3.46 mg/kg. The average value of proline content in honey from sunflower was 229.5±18.3 mg/kg, and in honey from acacia — 185.0±3.6 mg/kg. Conclusions. The investigated honey of different botanical origin met the requirements of DSTU 4497:2005 «Natural honey. Technical conditions», except for honey from acacia and sunflower — they did not meet the requirements of the national state standard of Ukraine for proline content. At the same time, all samples met international requirements.