scholarly journals From the Beehives: Identification and Comparison of Physicochemical Properties of Algerian Honey

Resources ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 94
Author(s):  
Mokhtar Guerzou ◽  
Hani Amir Aouissi ◽  
Ahlem Guerzou ◽  
Juris Burlakovs ◽  
Salaheddine Doumandji ◽  
...  

In this study, the authors aimed at characterizing 11 Algerian kinds of honey taken from various geographical locations (beehives located at Djelfa (Medjbara and Dzaira), Laghouat, Aflou, Medea, Tiaret, Sidi bel-Abbes, Tiaret, Ain-Safra, Mostaganem, El Bayadh, and Ghardïa). The authors investigated the physicochemical parameters of these honey samples, including density, water content, electrical conductivity, ash content, pH, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content, free acidity, and color. The physicochemical parameters obtained were found to be within acceptable ranges according to the international standards (Codex Alimentarius) for 9 out of 11 analyzed samples: density 1.38–1.50 g/cm3 (the same as kg/L, as commonly used for honey), water content 14.03–18.80%, electrical conductivity 0.38 × 10−1 − 6.41 × 10−1 mS/cm, ash content 0.06–0.48%, pH 3.50–4.50, free acidity 11–47 meq/kg, and color 1.1–9.2 Pfund index. Analysis of HMF content showed that only two honey samples have high values (117.7 and 90.0 meq/kg). Most samples of Algerian honey are of suitable quality according to international standards.

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 629
Author(s):  
Agim Rysha ◽  
Granit Kastrati ◽  
Lejla Biber ◽  
Valon Sadiku ◽  
Aurorë Rysha ◽  
...  

This study evaluated the physicochemical properties (moisture, pH, electrical conductivity, free acidity, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), proteins, insoluble solids, and ash) of 45 Kosovo’s and imported honey samples, using methods provided by national and international standards. The moisture values of all honey samples analyzed were below 20%. The free acidity was above 50.0 meq kg−1 in 14 out of 33 samples (42%) collected in Kosovo, while 2 out of 12 imported honey samples (16.7%) showed higher values than 50 meq kg−1. In this study, 7 out of 33 honey samples (21%) from Kosovo and one out of 12 honey samples from imports had soluble solids content below 80 °Brix. In terms of HMF, 5 out of 33 Kosovo honey samples (15%) and 4 out of 12 imported honey samples (33%) exceeded 40 mg/kg, which is the maximum content of HMF set in standards. The values of some physicochemical parameters (free acidity, HMF, and soluble solids) of local and imported honey samples are not within the quality limits set in legislation. Further studies are needed to evaluate the properties of fresh honey produced in Kosovo and the stability of honey during prolonged storage.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Wanjiru Warui ◽  
Lise Hansted ◽  
Mary Gikungu ◽  
John Mburu ◽  
Geoffrey Kironchi ◽  
...  

Properties and composition of honey are essential in providing information regarding their quality as well as in their differentiation based on production region characteristics, e.g., floral sources. This paper presents physicochemical properties and floral sources (botanical origin) of 21 honey samples obtained from arid and semiarid areas of Kenya, specifically, West Pokot, Baringo, and Kitui Counties. Physicochemical parameters which were analyzed to determine honey quality included moisture content, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), diastase activity, free acidity, and electrical conductivity. Values of these parameters were compared with those of the existing local, regional, and international standards for honey. Melissopalynological analysis (pollen analysis) was also carried out to provide information on botanical origin of the honeys. Results showed mean parameter values of moisture, 16.34%; HMF, 23.28 mg/kg; diastase activity, 10.67 Schade units; free acidity, 22.95 meq/kg; and electrical conductivity, 0.40 mS/cm. Free acidity and electrical conductivity values of honey samples obtained from West Pokot were significantly lower than the values of honeys from Baringo and Kitui. Eighteen (18) honey samples had all parameter values within the limits set in the East African, Codex Alimentarius, and the European Union directive standards for honey. Results also showed a total of 29 pollen types in the honey samples analyzed, and Acacia spp. was the predominant pollen type in 4 of the 21 honey samples. Findings of this study showed that Kenyan origin honeys can tap into the existing regional and international markets based on their quality which can be attributed to their botanical origin. Results of this study also suggested that honey producers have undertaken appropriate measures in honey harvesting, processing, handling, and storage. However, there is a need to build capacity of producers whose honey were of unacceptable quality. This would involve training on proper honey production, processing, and handling practices as well establishment of honey collection and processing centres at the local level in order to improve honey quality. This will enhance access to existing honey markets. Conservation of bee floral sources would also be needed to maintain honey quality.


2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatima IJ ◽  
Mohd Hilmi AB ◽  
Salwani I ◽  
Lavaniya M

The physicochemical properties of stingless bee honey are diverse according to origin of geographical or botanical and fruit or flower season. These factors result in production of honey with different colour, pH, ash and water content although the bee species is similar. To date, the physicochemical properties of honey from Malaysian Trigona species are unknown. Therefore, determination of physicochemical properties of honey from stingless bee is crucial for Malaysian researchers in order to analyse the purity of the honey. Five honey samples were used for the current study. Four samples were stingless bee honey from two of the most common domesticated Malaysian stingless bee species; Trigona thorasica and Trigona itama. Meanwhile, one sample was from Tualang honey. For stingless bee honey, the values for pH, moisture content, electrical conductivity, ash content and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) were 2.79±0.04 to 2.95±0.02, 28.3±0.68 to 33.7±0.51, 0.47±0.22 to 0.55±0.38, 0.132±0.03 to 0.532±0.83 and 0.080±0.16 to 3.42±1.03, respectively. The colour of stingless bee honey varies based on observation or absorbance assay. The study described the physicochemical properties derived from Malaysian bees of Trigona thorasica, Trigona itama, and Apis Dorsata.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chem Int

Trace metal contents and quality parameters (physicochemical properties) such as pH, electrical conductivity and ash content of four Ethiopian honeys were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry, pH-meter, conductivity meter and ashing, respectively. The optimized wet digestion method for honey analysis was found efficient for the metals determined and it was validated through the recovery experiment and a good percentage recovery was obtained (93-104%). Fe was found in highest amount with mean concentration ranging from 5.37 to 12.4 μg/g followed by Ni with mean concentration range of 0.80 to 4.46 μg/g, Cr (1.20-4.33 μg/g), Zn (1.92-4.22 μg/g), Co (0.60-1.17 μg/g), Mn (0.16-0.89 μg/g), Cd (ND-0.69 μg/g) and Cu (0.09-0.47 μg/g). The toxic metal Pb was not detected. The ranges of physicochemical properties determined were summarized as: pH 4.11-4.33, electrical conductivity of 0.10-0.29 mscm-1 and ash content 0.17-0.46%. The metals content and the physicochemical properties investigated in honey samples were found within the ranges established by national and international standards.


Agriculture ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 247
Author(s):  
Aida Albu ◽  
Cristina-Gabriela Radu-Rusu ◽  
Ioan Mircea Pop ◽  
Gabriela Frunza ◽  
Gherasim Nacu

Romania is known among the main European honey producers, due to the variety of landforms as well as the diversity of the flora. Thirty-four honey samples of the acacia, linden and multifloral types, produced in eastern Romania and collected during 2013–2018, were physico-chemically analyzed using methods provided by the national and EU standards. The results of water-insoluble solids, color and refractive index were found to be 0.023–0.131%, 0.3–76.4 mm Pfund and 1.485–1.499, respectively. The moisture content ranged between 15.20% and 20.77%, solid substances content ranged between 79.23% and 84.80% and total soluble substances content ranged between 77.83 °Brix and 83.26 °Brix. The obtained values of specific gravity were from 1.414 to 1.450 g/cm3, pH ranged from 3.673 to 5.503 and free acidity ranged between 2.4 meq and 50 meq kg−1. The ash content and the electrical conductivity varied between 0.030 and 0.543% and 130 and 679 µS cm−1, respectively. Pearsonʹs correlation analysis showed an intense association of the ash content with electrical conductivity (r = 0.81). Our findings reveal the qualitative level of Romanian honey and the variation in quality parameters due to factors such as geographical region, climatic conditions, botanical origin and handling or storage conditions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Muhammad Habbib Khirzin

Gelatin is an intermediate ingredient which is oftenly used in many field such as food, pharmacy, and cosmetics. It is usually extracted from pig and cow. Halal issue of gelatin sources and the outbreaks of mad cow diseases encouraged people to find an alternative sources of gelatin. One of the alternative sources of gelatin was duck bone. The aim of this research was to describe physicochemical properties of duck bone gelatin which is extracted by using acid extraction method as an alternative sources of halal gelatin. The extraction of duck bone gelatin used 5% concentration of HCl (hydrochloric acid). The extraction process consisted of four steps, they were degreassing, defating, demineralization, and acid extraction. The result showed that gelatin which was extracted from duck bone had these several characteristic: yield of 6.24%, pH 4.0, water content of 13.43%, ash content of 13.42%, protein content of 65.43%, and whiteness degree of 30.35%. Generally, gelatin which was extracted from duck bone had similar characteristic with commercial gelatin and SNI standard. Further researcher had been suggested to reoptimized extraction method in order to reduce ash content.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 039-047
Author(s):  
Edori ES ◽  
Iyama WA ◽  
Awari JO

The levels of physicochemical properties of Mini Whuo Stream in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria was evaluated. The physicochemical parameters were analyzed using standard conventional procedures. The average values recorded for the physicochemical parameters during the months of investigation were in the range; temperature; 30.00±0.42-30.26±0.83oC, with all-round mean of 30.14±0.47oC, pH; 6.22±0.33-6.42±0.25 (6.29±0.29), electrical conductivity; 146.01±74.04-147.26±75.13µS/cm (146.58±74.69 µS/cm), total alkalinity; 61.63±6.37-62.20±6.41mg/L (61.91±6.41 mg/L), sulphates; 109.67±51.34-110.67±51.88mg/L (110.22±51.81 mg/L), nitrates; 12.20±2.38-12.60±2.86mg/L (12.31±2.65 mg/L), turbidity; 49.32±1.49-50.18±2.02 NTU(49.83±1.55 NTU), TDS; 74.20±36.43-75.61±37.50 mg/L (75.00±36.81 mg/L), TSS; 27.14±2.12-28.37±0.78mg/L (27.64±1.89 mg/L), chlorides; 15.17±2.90-15.66±2.70mg/L (15.34±2.65 mg/L) and salinity; 24.36±4.83-24.82±4.97mg/L (24.66±4.78 mg/L). The evaluation of the physicochemical parameters showed that the Mini Whuo Stream has been contaminated due to human activities within the stream and therefore adequate measures should be taken to forestall the present situation of the stream in order to mitigate any possible increase in deterioration of the studied physicochemical parameters in the stream beyond acceptable limit.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Semra Gürbüz ◽  
Neslihan Çakıcı ◽  
Serdar Mehmetoğlu ◽  
Hilal Atmaca ◽  
Tahsin Demir ◽  
...  

This study was performed to investigate the physicochemical quality characteristics of honey produced in Southeastern Anatolia of Turkey. A total of 68 honey samples collected from different beekeepers were analyzed for sugar components, moisture, pH, HMF, electrical conductivity, free acidity, proline values, and diastase number using the methods recommended by the International Honey Commission. The color value was determined by the Hanna HI 96785 color identification device using the Pfund scale. The mean values of fructose + glucose, fructose/glucose ratio, sucrose, and maltose were 70.97 ± 3.27%, 1.21 ± 0.15, 0.90 ± 1.35%, and 2.88 ± 1.42%, respectively. The moisture, pH, electrical conductivity, free acidity, diastase number, proline, and HMF values were 15.91 ± 1.05%, 4.10 ± 0.73, 0.21 ± 0.04 mS/cm, 14.94 ± 6.81 meq/kg, 10.68 ± 4.61, 420±, 174 mg/kg, and 18.5 ± 31.43 mg/kg, respectively. All of the samples met the international standards and legal limits set in Turkey for fructose + glucose, sucrose, moisture, electrical conductivity, and free acidity, whereas 20.58%, 25%, 10.29%, and 8.82% of the samples did not meet the standards and legal limits for the diastase number, proline value, HMF value, and fructose/glucose ratio, respectively. It has been considered to be important to raise awareness of the producer about good production practices and to ensure continuity of inspections for high-quality honey production.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
François Ezin Azonwade ◽  
Armand Paraïso ◽  
Cokou P. Agbangnan Dossa ◽  
Victorien T. Dougnon ◽  
Christine N’tcha ◽  
...  

Honey is a very complex biological product. It has great diversity, giving it a multitude of properties, both nutritionally and therapeutically. This study aimed to study the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of honeys collected during the dry and rainy seasons in the different phytogeographical areas of Benin. The study revealed that all honeys had pH, water content, electrical conductivity, ash content, free acidity, total sugars, and reducing sugars, respectively, ranging within 3.65–4.09; 12.07–13.16%; 530.25–698.50 μs/cm; 0.42–0.53%; 35.67–40.52 meq/kg; 60–70%; and 58–70%. Moisture content, total sugars, and reducing sugars varied very significantly (p<0.05top<0.001) from one area to another and from one season to another. However, only the production season has a significant influence (p<0.05) on the pH of the honey. With regard to the ash content, free acidity, and electrical conduction, no significant difference (p>0.05) between the zones or between the seasons was observed. The results of the microbiological characterization showed that there is heterogeneity in the microbial load. These results have shown that these honeys meet international standards and their characterization will make it possible to obtain Beninese quality labels.


2012 ◽  
Vol 81 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jana Kasperová ◽  
Jozef Nagy ◽  
Peter Popelka ◽  
Zuzana Dičáková ◽  
Alena Nagyová ◽  
...  

The aim of study was to characterize 52 samples of Slovak honeys of six types (multifloral, acacia, rape, honeydew, forest and mixed). Physico-chemical analysis of honey included the water content, free acidity, pH, water activity, electrical conductivity, and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content. In addition, the colour of honeys was measured using spectrophotometer and Commission Internationale de I`Eclairage method (CIE L*a*b*); four types of honey were used for identification: multifloral, acacia, rape, and honeydew. Mean values of physico-chemical indicators were as follows: water content 16–21%, acidity 6–42 mekv·kg-1, pH 3.68–5.15, water activity 0.505–0.667, electrical conductivity 0.155–1.585 mS·cm-1 and HMF content 0.17–78.5 mg·kg-1. The highest HMF content was found in forest honey with one sample above the limit established by Council Directive 2001/110/EC. The colour of Slovak honeys analysed in this study was very variable and ranged from pale yellow to dark brown. Differences of physico-chemical indicators and colour of honey samples were found to be significant (P < 0.05). The CIE L*a*b* methods can be used for identification of selected honey samples. This is the first similar study on Slovak honey.


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