THE AUTHENTICITY OF HONEY AND ITS EFFECT ON STRAWBERRY FRUITS

Abstract

The effects of orange blossom honey solution (10%, w/v) on the strawberry fruits were assessed in modified atmosphere. The authenticity of honey has been determined by the number, percentage as well as status of the pollens. According to the results, the orange blossom honey is unifloral because of its dominant pollen composition as well as geographical origin. The weight loss, total soluble solids content, pH, titratable acidity, color value, L-ascorbic acids (mg/100 g FW), CO2/O2 amount, microbial and sensorial qualities of the strawberry fruits were examined during 8 days of storage at 5C. The application of orange blossom honey on strawberries did not reveal promising results for the fruit quality parameters and shelf life throughout storage. The present results suggest that the use of orange blossom honey in combination with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) cannot be a potential application for maintaining the quality and shelf life of the strawberries during storage at 5C. PRACTICAL APPLICATION In recent years, the use of natural substances has received increasing attention because of their beneficial health effects on mankind. Honey is a potential biological substance, which is produced by honeybees, and used to heal various ailments since the dawn of history. There have been a lot of honey types available, which is based on the floral source. In the present study, orange blossom honey was used to extend the fruit quality and shelf life of strawberries at 5C during MAP storage. Nevertheless, the treatment used in this study did not cause any considerable effect for sustaining the quality as well as the shelf life of “Selva”-type strawberries in concern.