Botanical authentication of honeys based on Raman spectra

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of honey botanical authentication using the Raman spectroscopy. For this purpose 76 samples of honeys of different botanical origins (acacia, tilia, sunflower, polyfloral and honeydew) were purchased from local beekeepers from Suceava county, Romania. The honey samples have been characterized based on the melissopalynological analysis and electrical conductivity according to its botanical origin. The samples have been classified into acacia, tilia, sunflower, polyfloral and honeydew. The Raman spectra analysis has been proved to be an excellent tool (simple, rapid and non destructive method) for honey authentication; by the linear discriminant analysis (LDA) applied 83.33% of the honey has been correctly cross validated.