Physicochemical Characteristics of Honey Samples from Mambilla Plateau, Nigeria

Japhet Amanah Lullah-Deh

doi:10.11648/j.jb.20180201.12

Abstract

This research investigated the physicochemical properties of seven honey samples obtained from seven different locations on the Mambilla Plateau.The physicochemical properties evaluated were colour, temperature, pH, moisture contents, viscosity, specific gravity, density and conductivity.The results showed a range of honey colours from light amber to dark, pH range of (3.22 – 5.00); temperature range of (29.0 – 39.4°C); moisture content range of (16.4 – 34.0%); viscosity range of (23.2 – 34.7 Ns/m); specific gravity range of (1.35 – 1.47); density range of (1.30 – 1.51 g/cm<sup>3</sup>); and conductivity range of (7.6 – 12.4 μs/m).

Highlights

Honey is a sweet and flavorful natural product, which is consumed due to its health values
It has been reported that honey samples showed regional variations in the physicochemical parameters such as pH, ash content, enzymes activities, hydroxymethylfurfural and electrical conductivity [4]
Sample Collection Samples are true representatives of the entire study area.The honey samples were collected from seven locations from April – June and November, 2016 for investigation.The samples collected were all on Mambilla Plateau, Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba State.The samples were put separately in cleaned high density polythene sampling bottles before they were transported to the laboratory for analysis.The sampling areas were Maisamari, 76.6km from Gembu the Headquarters of the Local Government, Kakara, 18km from Gembu, Dorofi, 25.2km from GembuKan-Iyaka, 52.3km from Gembu, Mbamnga, 15.2km from Gembu, Nguroje, 21km from Gembu and Gambu the Administrative Headquarters

Summary

Introduction

Honey is a sweet and flavorful natural product, which is consumed due to its health values. Honey is produced by Bees from plant nectars, plant secretions and excretions of plant-sucking insects. It represents an interesting source of natural macro and micro-nutrients, saturated solution of sugar (fructose and glucose) and a wide range of minor constituents like phenolic compounds [1, 2]. It contains antioxidant, bacteriostatic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial properties, including wound and sunburn healing effects [3]. It has been reported that honey samples showed regional variations in the physicochemical parameters such as pH, ash content, enzymes activities, hydroxymethylfurfural and electrical conductivity [4]

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion