The Importance of Melissopalynology in Addition to Physical-Chemical Analysis on Botanical Authenticity Testing of Monofloral Honey

Abstract

Monofloral honey is derived from one particular source plant and may be more valuable than honey derived from many types of plants. The price of honey also varies according to the region from which it originates. For this reason monoflorality of honey must be determined before labeling and marketing. Chemical analysis of honey may give informations about honey adulteration, but for botanical origin, melissopalynological determination must be performed. Different types of monofloral honey harvested directly from beekeepers were microscopically studied, following the original method of Louveaux et al. (1978). The percentage of specific pollen was determined in order to evaluate the monoflorality of declared honey samples. Additionally, physico-chemical determinations were made, to correlate the obtained results with palinological analysis. Sugar spectrum, diastazic activity, hydroxymethilfurfural content was determined by spectrophotometric and chromatographic analysis and correlations with specific pollen content were made. If chemical constituents may be changed during storage time (fructose content, enzymes, vitamins and other biologically active compounds), the specific pollen of each sample remain the same even after long storage periods. Melisopallinology remain an important method in quality and authenticity determination of honey, as the producers do not label all the time the correct botanical origin of honey.