Analysis of the Physical and Chemical Properties of Honey Selled in the Free Fair of a Municipality Located in the Legal Amazon – Brazil

Abstract

Honey is a food of natural origin produced by bees, which stands out as one of the most valued products. The practice of beekeeping and the increase in honey consumption by the population has been shown to be a promising and profitable activity for producers and the economy of Brazil. This research aimed to conduct analysis of the physicochemical properties of honey samples sold at the free fair of a city in the region of the Legal Amazon, located in the interior of Rondônia. Six samples from different sources were selected to evaluate their physical and chemical properties, including color, water content, hydroxymethylfurfural content (HMF), gray content, lund reaction and lugol reaction. The results were compared to the standards set by Normative Instruction No. 11 of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (Map) of 2000, using the methodologies proposed by the Adolfo Lutz Institute. The results presented obtained variations between the samples, since the composition of honey differs according to the floral species and region in which it comes from, in addition to their storage and management conditions. It is observed that some of the honey samples, without proper inspection, marketed at free markets in Brazil, do not meet the standards required by Brazilian legislation for honey.