Abstract
This study intended to determine and compare the microscopic and physicochemical characteristics of Burkina Fasan honey (n = 27) with those described in the Codex Standard, and to also find correlations between individual constituents. Physicochemical properties were determined using the harmonised methods of the international honey commission. Microscopic pollen analyses identified the samples as being derived from one Acacia, one Lannea, three Vitellaria, two Combretaceae, two mixed Poaceae honeydew and eighteen multifloral honey. Despite the tropical ambient temperature, all the samples were nevertheless well within the limits of the Codex Standard for levels of hydroxymethylfurfural, reducing sugars, proline and diastase activity. Only 7.4% (ash), 14.8% (free acidity and pH) and 22.2% (moisture) of samples exceeded the Codex-permitted limits. A highly significant correlation was found between pH and ash content (r = 0.77; P < 0.001). The training of non-professional beekeepers in beekeeping practice is suggested to improve the quality of Burkina Fasan honey.
Highlights
Microscopic pollen analyses identified the samples as being derived from one Acacia, one Lannea, three Vitellaria, two Combretaceae, two mixed Poaceae honeydew and eighteen multifloral honey
Values of not less than 8 for diastase activity, 60 g·100 g-1 for reducing sugars and 180 mg·kg-1 for proline levels are prescribed. Some of these limits differ for honeydew honey, viz. not less than 45 g·100 g-1 for reducing sugars and not more than 1 g·100 g-1 for ash content (Codex Alimentarius 2001; Bogdanov and Martin 2002; Bogdanov et al 1999; The Council of the European Union 2002)
Pollen analyses allowed for the identification of seven unifloral, 2 mixed Poaceae honeydew and 18 multifloral honey samples
Summary
Microscopic pollen analyses identified the samples as being derived from one Acacia, one Lannea, three Vitellaria, two Combretaceae, two mixed Poaceae honeydew and eighteen multifloral honey. The reason for testing honey for quality control purposes is to verify the authenticity of the product and to reveal the possible presence of artificial components or adulterants, as well as to address processing and market needs (Krell 1996) This requires determining the moisture and mineral content (ash), and the levels of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), acidity, diastase activity, apparent sugars and water insoluble solids (Bogdanov et al 1999). As defined internationally by the European Honey Directive and the Codex Alimentarius, for honey of declared origin from tropical regions like Burkina Faso, are amounts of not more than 50 milliequivalents of free acidity, 20% moisture, 0.6 g·100 g-1 for general honey ash and 80 mg·kg-1 for HMF. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the quality of some samples based on physicochemical
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