КОМПЛЕКСНЫЙ АНАЛИЗ БАШКИРСКОГО МЕДА

Abstract

The paper contains the results of the first comprehensive analysis of Bashkir honey. Qualitative and quantitative palynological (pollen), organoleptic and physicochemical analyses described properties of 30 honey samples selected from 22 districts of the Republic of Bashkortostan. The qualitative pollen analysis found that most of the samples belonged to monofloral honey. Linden honey prevailed among the samples. Sunflower and buckwheat honey varieties were also common. The analysis found single samples of Viper's Bugloss, Melitot, rapeseed, Cirsium, Bird's foot, polyfloral, and honeydew honey types. The quantitative palynological analysis confirmed the results of qualitative analysis in most cases. Mismatches in honey varieties with underrepresented pollen (Cirsium and Carduus types of honey) were revealed. Also, the analysis found features inherent in several samples of Bashkir linden and buckwheat honey. The features are associated with an increased concentration of plant elements in their composition (64 500–74 600 and 26 500, respectively). The organoleptic analysis reduced the number of monofloral honey samples from 26 to 18. In 8 cases, small admixtures of honey with the characteristic properties affected the samples' quality. Organoleptic characteristics of linden honey were also revealed in honey samples with a low proportion of Linden pollen in the pollen spectrum (6 %). The physical and chemical analysis confirmed the botanical origin of linden, buckwheat, Viper's Bugloss, and honeydew honey samples. The study revealed that quite often, even small admixtures of certain types of honey (linden, buckwheat) had a positive effect on the sample's physical and chemical parameters. Heat treatment was established in half of the sunflower honey samples. The complete analysis results provide the basis for identifying characteristics of premium varieties of Bashkir linden and buckwheat honey. These varieties demonstrate an increased proportion of pollen from the honeybee plants and a high plant element concentration.