Abstract
The palynological and physicochemical analysis of 62 honey samples produced in different biogeographical areas of Algeria was conducted. Results showed high variety in the botanical origin of samples and their physicochemical profile. Twenty-six samples were polyfloral honey, 30 were unifloral honey from different botanical sources such as Eucalyptus, Citrus, Apiaceae, Punica, Erica, Rosmarinus, Eriobotrya, or Hedysarum, and 6 were characterized as honeydew honey. Pollen analysis allowed the identification of 104 pollen types belonging to 51 botanical families, whereas the physicochemical profile showed important variations between samples. Multivariate techniques were used to compare the characteristics of samples from different biogeographical areas, showing significant differences between humid-area samples, located in the northeast of the country, and samples taken in semiarid, subhumid, and arid zones. Principal-component analysis (PCA) extracted nine components explaining 72% of data variance, being 30%, the sum of Component 1 and Component 2. The plot of both components showed samples grouped upon botanical and geographical origin. The results of this paper highlighted the great variability in honey production of Algeria, evidencing the importance of honey characterization to guarantee authenticity and to valorize local production.
Highlights
Beekeeping in Algeria is part of agricultural life
On the basis of these facts, this paper aimed to provide scientific information on the botanical origin and physicochemical profile of honey samples from different bioclimatic areas of Algeria
The samples were from a large area of northern Algeria (Table 1)
Summary
Beekeeping in Algeria is part of agricultural life. It is practiced in mountainous regions such as the Aures Mountains, Kabylie, and Dahra, in the coastal plains, and the valleys of the big wadis, but it is more intensive in the northern part of the country where the flora provides resources for honey throughout most of the year [1]. Valued honey supplies are a welcome income for farmers and hobby beekeepers [2]. The composition of this food, obtained by bees from nectar, honeydew, or both sugary resources, is highly dependent on honeybee activity and the biogeography of the area in which it was produced. Physicochemical properties such as color, pH, electrical conductivity, sugar content, organic acids, Foods 2020, 9, 938; doi:10.3390/foods9070938 www.mdpi.com/journal/foods
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