Caracterização de méis de duas paisagens da região nordeste do Uruguai

Abstract

The world honey market values ​​organic and natural honeys. Forest activity in the northeast of Uruguay, free of agricultural activities and with the presence of a protected area, is an opportunity for local beekeepers and transhumant people. The characterization of these honeys through melissopalynology and physical-chemical parameters could generate new valorization strategies. The objective of this study was to characterize honeys (n=27) from the protected area and from afforestation with Eucalyptus grandis under two production systems (transhumance and non-transhumance beekeepers). Botanical composition was analyzed by palynology, mineral profile, moisture, conductivity, pH, color (CIEL*a*b*), sugar profile and presence of glyphosate. The palynological analysis determined two types of honeys (monofloral from Eucalyptus sp. in the forestation and honeydew honeys with the presence of diverse pollens from native species in the protected area. No significant differences (p<0.05) were found between the honeys from eucalyptus for both beekeeping production systems in all the parameters evaluated. The honeydew honeys have an unknown origin and were statistically different from the previous ones. The average values ​​of pH and conductivity for these honeys were 6.37 ± 0.14 and 1113 ± 25.6 µS/cm respectively. The concentration of minerals K (2536.1 ± 382.1 mg/kg honey) and Fe (4.15 ± 0.27 mg/kg honey) was higher than those found in eucalyptus honey. The percentages of Isomaltulose (1.18 ± 0.62) and Trehalose (0.23 ± 0.05) sugars were higher in the honeys from the protected area while Maltose (0.46 ± 0.07) was lower. Glyphosate residues were not detected in all the samples analyzed. Should insist on good management practices carried out by beekeepers when they arrive from agricultural areas (transhumance beekeepers). Research should continue to determine the origin of the myelates in the protected area. Although the volumes produced are smaller, their valuation could increase due to the originality of these honeys. The northeast region of Uruguay has the potential to produce quality honey properly identified by geographic and botanical origin.