Greek Honey Research Articles

MAPPING BEE-KEEPING FOREST PLANTS FROM MEDIUM SPATIAL RESOLUTION MULTISPECTRAL SATELLITE DATA

Abstract. Apiculture is one of the main branches of agriculture and crucial to rural development since it provides farmers with unique products like honey, wax, pollen, royal jelly, propolis and bee venom. Due to pollination services provided by honeybees, environmental sustainability and diversity are also increased, as well as crop production. In Greece, approximately 2.000.000 bee colonies (second in the E.U.) are reported with a relatively high density per km2. There are more than 20.000 beekeeping operators that produce about 20.000 tons of honey every year, while more than 65% of Greek honey is produced from honey dew. To this end, this study aims to identify and map major honeybee flora in the Greek mainland and the Greek islands (Fir forests, Pine forests and Oak forests) for the year 2019, in order to examine best regions to deploy honeybee colonies. In particular, a classification framework for mapping the main honeybee flora is introduced that is exploiting annual moderate-resolution satellite multi-temporal data. Additionally, a methodology is presented to generate a coarser training dataset by utilizing a high-spatial resolution, detailed land cover map. This process specifically focuses on the integration of honeybee flora classes that are not present in the land cover map but are of significant great importance for honey flora mapping. The goal was to enable large-scale classification without the computational resource constraints typically associated with such national scale frameworks. Experimental results are quite promising with the quantitative validation indicating overall accuracy of more than 85%.

Development and validation of a high-throughput headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry methodology for target and suspect determination of honey volatiles

The determination of volatile compounds is essential for the chemical characterisation of honey's aroma and its correlation to its sensory profile and botanical origin. The present study describes the development, optimization and validation of a new, simple and reliable method for the determination of volatile compounds in honey using headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). The optimization of the SPME conditions showed that the ratio of honey: water (2:1) and the incubation temperature (60 °C) are the most critical parameters. Gas chromatography was performed with medium polar Varian CP-Select 624 column and the experimental Retention Index for a number of compounds was determined as an additional identification feature for suspect analysis. The simultaneous use of four internal standards chlorobenzene, benzophenone, 2-pentanol and 4-methyl-2-pentanone and matrix matched calibration enhanced method accuracy achieving recoveries 73–114 % and repeatability ranging between 3.9 and 19 % relative standard deviations. Furthermore, the superiority of the HS-SPME to static head space technique was verified exhibiting four-to nine-fold higher sensitivity. Target and suspect screening were applied to 30 Greek honey samples and 53 volatile compounds belonging to different chemical classes, such as alkanes, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, and esters were identified with quantified concentrations ranging between 3.1 μg kg−1 (Limonene) up to 20 mg kg−1 (Benzeneacetaldehyde). Among the new findings is the detection of Myrtenol in Greek pine honey and 2,3-butanediol in Greek oak honey. The developed analytical protocol can be a valuable tool in order to chemically characterize honey based on the volatile content.

Fingerprinting Chemical Markers in the Mediterranean Orange Blossom Honey: UHPLC-HRMS Metabolomics Study Integrating Melissopalynological Analysis, GC-MS and HPLC-PDA-ESI/MS.

(1) Background: Citrus honey constitutes a unique monofloral honey characterized by a distinctive aroma and unique taste. The non-targeted chemical analysis can provide pivotal information on chemical markers that differentiate honey based on its geographical and botanical origin. (2) Methods: Within the PRIMA project "PLANT-B", a metabolomics workflow was established to unveil potential chemical markers of orange blossom honey produced in case study areas of Egypt, Italy, and Greece. In some of these areas, aromatic medicinal plants were cultivated to enhance biodiversity and attract pollinators. The non-targeted chemical analysis and metabolomics were conducted using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). (3) Results: Forty compounds were disclosed as potential chemical markers, enabling the differentiation of the three orange blossom honeys according to geographical origin. Italian honey showed a preponderance of flavonoids, while in Greek honey, terpenoids and iridoids were more abundant than flavonoids, except for hesperidin. In Egyptian honey, suberic acid and a fatty acid ester derivative emerged as chemical markers. New, for honey, furan derivatives were identified using GC-MS in Greek samples. (4) Conclusions: The application of UHPLC-HRMS metabolomics combined with an elaborate melissopalynological analysis managed to unveil several potential markers of Mediterranean citrus honey potentially associated with citrus crop varieties and the local indigenous flora.

Pesticide Residues and Metabolites in Greek Honey and Pollen: Bees and Human Health Risk Assessment.

Bees encounter a plethora of environmental contaminants during nectar and pollen collection from plants. Consequently, after their entrance into the beehives, the transfer of numerous pollutants to apicultural products is inevitable. In this context, during the period of 2015-2020, 109 samples of honey, pollen, and beebread were sampled and analyzed for the determination of pesticides and their metabolites. More than 130 analytes were investigated in each sample by applying two validated multiresidue methods (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS). Until the end of 2020, 40 determinations were reported in honey, resulting in a 26% positive to at least one active substance. The concentrations of pesticides ranged from 1.3 ng/g to 785 ng/g honey. For seven active substances in honey and pollen, maximum residue limits (MRLs) exceedances were observed. Coumaphos, imidacloprid, acetamiprid, amitraz metabolites (DMF and DMPF), and tau-fluvalinate were the predominant compounds detected in honey, while several pyrethroids such as λ-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, and cyfluthrin were also found. Pollen and beebread, as expected, accumulated a higher number of active substances and metabolites (32 in total), exhibiting almost double the number of detections. Although the above findings verify the occurrence of numerous pesticide and metabolite residues in both honey and pollen, the human risk assessment in the majority of the cases does not raise any concerns, and the same applies to bee risk assessment.

Evaluation of the antioxidant potency of Greek honey from the Taygetos and Pindos mountains using a combination of cellular and molecular methods.

Honey is a complex mixture, containing ~180 compounds, produced by the Apismelifera bees, with promising antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Nevertheless, the mechanisms through which honey exerts its effects remain under investigation. Plant antioxidants are found in honey and other bee products exhibiting a high bioactivity and molecular diversity. The aim of the present study was to estimate the antioxidant capacity of honey collected from areas in Greece by small‑scale producers by i)using invitro cell free assays; and ii)by investigating the effects of honey varieties on the redox status of a liver cancer cell line (HepG2) using non‑cytotoxic concentrations. The findings of the present study will allow for the identification of Greek honeys with promising antioxidant capacity. For this purpose, six types of honey with various floral origins were examined in cell‑free assays followed by cell‑based techniques using flow cytometric analysis and redox biomarker level determination in order to evaluate the potential alterations in the intracellular redox system. The results indicated various mechanisms of action that are dependent on the honey type, concentration dependency and high antioxidant capacity. The extended findings from the literature confirm the ability of raw honey to influence the redox status of HepG2 cells. Nevertheless additional investigations are required to elucidate their mechanisms of action in cell line models.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antibacterial Effects and Mode of Action of Greek Arbutus, Chestnut, and Fir Honey in Mouse Models of Inflammation and Sepsis.

Background: Honey has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties that may be useful for the prevention and treatment of infections as well as of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. The antimicrobial potency of honey could be attributed to its physicochemical characteristics combined with the presence of certain compounds, such as hydrogen peroxide and polyphenols. Honey's bacteriostatic or bactericidal capacity varies depending on its composition and the bacterial type of each infection. Nevertheless, not all honey samples possess anti-inflammatory or antibacterial properties and their mechanism of action has not been clearly elucidated. Objectives: We therefore investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of three different honey samples that derived from different geographical areas of Greece and different botanical origins, namely, arbutus, chestnut, and fir; they were compared to manuka honey, previously known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity. Materials and Methods: To test the anti-inflammatory activity of the different samples, we utilized the in vivo model of LPS-driven inflammation, which induces septic shock without the presence of pathogens. To evaluate the antibacterial action of the same honey preparations, we utilized the cecal-slurry-induced peritonitis model in mice. Since acute inflammation and sepsis reduce the biotransformation capacity of the liver, the expression of key enzymes in the process was also measured. Results: The administration of all Greek honey samples to LPS-stimulated mice revealed a potent anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing the TNFα serum levels and the expression of TNFα and iNOS in the liver at levels comparable to those of the manuka honey, but they had no effect on IL-6 or IL-1β. It was shown that the LPS-induced suppression of CYP1A1 in the liver was reversed by Epirus and Crete fir honey, while, correspondingly, the suppression of CYP2B10 in the liver was reversed by Evros chestnut and Epirus fir honey. The effect of the same honey samples in polymicrobial peritonitis in mice was also evaluated. Even though no effect was observed on the disease severity or peritoneal bacterial load, the bacterial load in the liver was reduced in mice treated with Evros chestnut, Epiros fir, and Crete fir, while the bacterial load in the lungs was reduced in Epirus arbutus, Crete fir, and manuka honey-treated mice. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that these specific Greek honey samples possess distinct anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, as evidenced by the reduced production of pro-inflammatory mediators and the impaired translocation of bacteria to tissues in septic mice. Their mode of action was comparable or more potent to those of manuka honey.

NMR Metabolite Profiling in the Quality and Authentication Assessment of Greek Honey-Exploitation of STOCSY for Markers Identification.

Honey is a natural, healthy commodity and is probably among the most complex foods produced by nature. It is the oldest recorded and certainly the only natural sweetener that can be used by humans without any further processing. Nowadays, the increase in honey’s value, along with its growing list of healthy attributes, has made the present raw material a prime target for adulteration. In the current study, NMR-based metabolite profiling in combination with chemometrics was applied in the quality control of Greek honeys from northeastern Aegean islands. Moreover, statistical total correlation spectroscopy (STOCSY) was employed for the first time as a dereplication and structural elucidation tool in the honey biomarker identification process. A total of 10 compounds were successfully identified in honey total extracts via 1H NMR spectroscopy. Compounds such as 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural, methyl syringate, a mono-substituted glycerol derivative and 3-hydroxy-4-phenyl-2-butanone, among others, were identified as potential biomarkers related to the botanical and geographical origin of the samples. High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) was used as an additional verification tool on the identified compounds.

Thorough Investigation of the Phenolic Profile of Reputable Greek Honey Varieties: Varietal Discrimination and Floral Markers Identification Using Liquid Chromatography-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry.

Honey is a highly consumed commodity due to its potential health benefits upon certain consumption, resulting in a high market price. This fact indicates the need to protect honey from fraudulent acts by delivering comprehensive analytical methodologies. In this study, targeted, suspect and non-targeted metabolomic workflows were applied to identify botanical origin markers of Greek honey. Blossom honey samples (n = 62) and the unifloral fir (n = 10), oak (n = 24), pine (n = 39) and thyme (n = 34) honeys were analyzed using an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography hybrid quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-q-TOF-MS) system. Several potential authenticity markers were revealed from the application of different metabolomic workflows. In detail, based on quantitative targeted analysis, three blossom honey markers were found, namely, galangin, pinocembrin and chrysin, while gallic acid concentration was found to be significantly higher in oak honey. Using suspect screening workflow, 12 additional bioactive compounds were identified and semi-quantified, achieving comprehensive metabolomic honey characterization. Lastly, by combining non-targeted screening with advanced chemometrics, it was possible to discriminate thyme from blossom honey and develop binary discriminatory models with high predictive power. In conclusion, a holistic approach to assessing the botanical origin of Greek honey is presented, highlighting the complementarity of the three applied metabolomic approaches.

Radioactivity evaluation and radiation dosimetry assessment in Greek honey

Greek honey was examined for 238U, 234U, 210Pb, 210Po, 40K, and 137Cs levels. 238U was calculated from 0.013 ± 0.007 Bq kg−1 to 0.10 ± 0.02 Bq kg−1 while 234U ranged from 0.017 ± 0.009 Bq kg−1 to 0.11 ± 0.03 Bq kg−1. 210Pb measured from 0.04 ± 0.02 Bq kg−1 to 1.70 ± 0.26 Bq kg−1 whereas 210Po activity determined between 0.02 ± 0.01 Bq kg−1 and 2.31 ± 0.34 Bq kg−1. 40 K found at the range of 7.9 ± 1.6 Bq kg−1 to 102.2 ± 19.7 Bq kg−1 and 137Cs 0.3 ± 0.1 Bq kg−1 up to 0.8 ± 0.1 Bq kg−1. Uranium isotopes and 210Po were determined via alpha spectrometry. 210Pb was also indirectly determined by alpha spectrometry. 40 K and 137Cs were measured through γ-ray spectrometry. An annual dose calculation was performed for different age groups.

Effects of Greek Honey and Propolis on Oxidative Stress and Biochemical Parameters in Regular Blood Donors.

Background and objectives: Honey products contain a lot of compounds, such as vitamins, enzymes, and minerals, which make honey and its products a great antioxidant with a critical role in health status. It is well accepted that honey and propolis can improve a lot of health problems when they are consumed in certain quantities. The objective of this study is to help regular blood donors improve their health status after donation. Material and methods: Eighty regular blood donor volunteers—30 males aged 19–61 and 30 females aged 21–64—were divided into 4 groups: group A (n = 20) consumed 2 spoons of Greek honey and 1 drop of propolis per day for 1 month, group B (n = 20) consumed 2 spoons of honey per day for 1 month, group C (n = 20) consumed 1 drop of propolis per day, and group D (n = 20) did not consume any Greek honey products. Blood samples were collected from all participants just before the consumption of the products, one month after the consumption, and six months after honey product consumption had ceased. All samples were analyzed for reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid profiles, and ferritin levels. Results: The ROS were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in groups A, B, and C after the honey product consumption and increased significantly again after six months. No significant differences in lipid profiles were observed. Only triglyceride levels were increased after six months in all groups. On the other hand, ferritin levels were not statistically significantly decreased after six months in groups A and B, while they were increased in group C. Conclusions: In the present study, statistically significant decreases in ROS status was found after a small dose of honey product consumption, indicating a diet with an extra small dose of honey products after blood donation.

Greek Honey Authentication: Botanical Approach

Honey is a functional, honeybee product with a useful role in human nutrition and several health benefits. Greece is a Mediterranean region with several types of monofloral honey. Today, Greek honey has acquired an important position in national and international markets. Due to this increased industrialization and globalization, quality control is a necessity. Mislabeling constitutes one of the most notable types of fraudulence, while most consumers are looking for authentic honey. Moreover, producers and suppliers are searching for rapid and analytical methodologies to secure Greek honey in a competitive environment. In this context, we aimed to describe the classical (melissopalynological, physicochemical) and analytical (chromatographic, spectrometric, and spectroscopic) methods for the standardization of the botanical origin of Greek honey.

An In Vitro Study of Different Types of Greek Honey as Potential Natural Antimicrobials against Dental Caries and Other Oral Pathogenic Microorganisms. Case Study Simulation of Oral Cavity Conditions

To study the antibacterial effect of different Greek honeys, samples of citrus honey, Saturja spp. Honey, and oregano and sage honey were collected directly from producers. Manuka honey and artificial honey were used as controls. The honeys were diluted in various concentrations to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and were also placed in agar wells to determine the inhibitory zones of growth. The bacteria tested were two reference strains and five pathogens isolated from patients with various dental ailments. A series of samples were diluted with artificial saliva instead of distilled water to simulate the conditions in the oral cavity. The results show that in most cases the Greek honeys, and particularly the citrus honey and the oregano and sage honey, outperformed the antibacterial activity of manuka honey against all tested bacteria. This performance was due to the hydrogen peroxide as well as to other components of the honeys, that is, peptides and other substances such as phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Artificial saliva enhanced the antibacterial effect of the honeys in comparison to distilled water.

Antibacterial Activity and Characterization of Bacteria Isolated from Diverse Types of Greek Honey against Nosocomial and Foodborne Pathogens

It has been suggested that microorganisms present in honey are a potential source of antimicrobial compounds. This study aimed to isolate and characterize bacteria from 46 Greek honey samples of diverse botanical and geographical origin and to determine whether these bacteria demonstrate antibacterial activity against five important nosocomial and foodborne pathogens. In total, 2014 bacterial isolates were obtained and screened for antibacterial activity. Overall, 16% of the isolates inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, 11.2% inhibited the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii, 10.2% inhibited the growth of Salmonella Typhimurium and 12.4% of the isolates affected the growth of Citrobacter freundii. In total, 316 isolates that inhibited the growth of more than two of the tested pathogens were grouped by restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) analysis of the 16S rRNA gene amplicon. Fifty of them were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The majority, 62% of the isolates, belonged to the genus Bacillus. Only 10% of the isolates were identified as Gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, in several bacterial isolates, genes encoding polyketide synthases and nonribosomal peptide synthetases that catalyze the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites which might contribute to the exerted antimicrobial activity, were detected. This study demonstrates that honey microbiota exerts antimicrobial activity and is a putative source of secondary metabolites against important nosocomial and food pathogens that warrants further investigation.

The Use of Right Angle Fluorescence Spectroscopy to Distinguish the Botanical Origin of Greek Common Honey Varieties

The standardization of the botanical origin of honey reflects the commercial value and quality of honey. Nowadays, most consumers are looking for a unifloral honey. The aim of the present study was to develop a novel method for honey classification using chemometric models based on phenolic compounds analyzed with right angle fluorescence spectroscopy, coupled with stepwise linear discriminant analysis (LDA). The deconstructed spectrum from three-dimensional-emission excitation matrix (3D-EEM) spectra provided a correct classification score of 94.9% calibration and cross-validation at an excitation wavelength (λex) of 330 nm. Subsequently, a score of 81.4% and 79.7%, respectively, at an excitation wavelength (λex) of 360 nm was achieved. Each chemometric model confirmed its power through the external validation with a score of 82.1% for both. Differentiation could be correlated with hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acids, which absorb in this region of the spectrum. Fluorescence spectroscopy constitutes a rapid and sensitive technique, which, when combined with the stepwise algorithm and LDA method, can be used as a reliable and predictive authentication tool for honey. This study indicates that the developed methodology is a promising technique for determination of the botanical origin of common Greek honey varieties. Our long-term ambition is to support producers and suppliers to remain in a competitive national and international market.

SPME-GC-MS and FTIR-ATR Spectroscopic Study as a Tool for Unifloral Common Greek Honeys’ Botanical Origin Identification

Among the variants of Greek honey, the most commonly available are pine, fir, thyme, and citrus honey. Samples of the above kinds of honey, identified according to European and Greek legislation, were studied using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and the attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopic techniques. Two chemometric models were developed based on statistically significant volatile compounds (octane; 2-phenylacetaldehyde; 1-nonanol; methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate; 2-(4-methylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl); nonanoic acid) and the 1390–945 and 847–803 cm−1 spectral regions, mainly vibrations of fructose and glucose, combined with the stepwise linear discriminant analysis (stepwise LDA) statistical technique. In total, 85.5% of standard samples, and 82.3% through internal validation and 88.5% through external validation, were identified correctly using the GC-MS-stepwise-LDA chemometric model. The corresponding results for the ATR-FTIR-stepwise-LDA chemometric model were 93.5%, 82.5%, and 84.6%. The double validation (internal, external) enhances the robustness of the proposed chemometric models. The developed models are considered statistically equivalent, but FTIR spectroscopy is simple, rapid, and more economical.

Honey Extracts Exhibit Cytoprotective Properties against UVB-Induced Photodamage in Human Experimental Skin Models.

In the present study, we aimed to examine the antioxidant, antiaging and photoprotective properties of Greek honey samples of various botanical and geographical origin. Ethyl-acetate extracts were used and the and the total phenolic/flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity were evaluated. Honey extracts were then studied for their cytoprotective properties against UVB-induced photodamage using human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT) and/or reconstituted human skin tissue models. Specifically, the cytotoxicity, oxidative status, DNA damage and gene expression levels of specific matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were examined. Overall, the treatment of HaCaT cells with honey extracts resulted in lower levels of DNA strand breaks and attenuated the decrease in cell viability following UVB exposure. Additionally, honey extracts significantly decreased the total protein carbonyl content of the irradiated cells, however, they had no significant effect on their total antioxidant status. Finally, the extracts alleviated the UVB-induced up-regulation of MMPs-3, -7 and -9 in a model of reconstituted skin tissue. In conclusion, honey extracts exhibited significant photoprotective and antiaging properties under UVB exposure conditions and thus could be further exploited as promising agents for developing novel and naturally-based, antiaging cosmeceutical products.

Volatile fingerprints of common and rare honeys produced in Greece: in search of PHVMs with implementation of the honey code

A non-targeted metabolomic methodology using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry in combination with headspace solid-phase microextraction was applied for the identification of pharmaceutical honey volatile metabolites. Common and rare honeys (citrus, fir, honeydew, pine, thyme, asfaka, arbutus, chestnut, and cotton), in a total of 32 samples, were collected from different regions in Greece. Seventy-three volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were identified and semi-quantified using the internal standard method. Among volatiles, the norisoprenoid 3,4,6,6-tetramethylbicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-ene-2,8-dione, was identified for the first time to contribute to Greek honey aroma. Pharmaceutical VOCs of interest included: terpenes, norisoprenoids benzene derivatives/phenolic volatiles and other compounds. The content of such metabolites was affected by honey’s botanical origin (p < 0.05). The honey code was developed to construe differences among honey varieties with respect to semi-quantitative data of pharmaceutical volatile metabolites. The exploitation of natural organic compounds for the treatment of diseases is of great value.

Short-term effects of six Greek honey varieties on glycemic response: a randomized clinical trial in healthy subjects.

This randomized, double blind, cross-over study investigated the glycemic response to six Greek honey grades differing in floral source and carbohydrate composition. Eleven clinically and metabolically healthy, fasting individuals (27 ± 7 years; nine women; BMI 24 ± 4 kg/m2) received isoglucidic test meals (50 g available carbohydrate) and 50 g glucose reference, in random order. GI was calculated using the FAO/WHO method. Capillary blood glucose samples were collected at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min. Salivary insulin samples were collected at 0, 60, and 120 min. Subjective appetite ratings (hunger, fullness and desire to eat) were assessed by visual analogue scales (VAS, 100 mm) at baseline and 120 min. Fir and chestnut honeys provided medium GI values (59 and 66, respectively, on glucose scale). Citrus, heather, pine and thyme honeys provided high GI (>70 on glucose scale). Sucrose to oligosaccharides ratio, sucrose content and fructose to glucose ratio were inversely associated with GI (p < 0.05). No differences were observed between honey varieties for fasting glucose, fasting and post-test-meal insulin concentrations and subjective appetite. Honey varieties produced different glycemic responses, although having similar botanical origin and characterization, partly explained by their sucrose to oligosaccharide ratio (by 30%). Fir and chestnut honeys attenuated postprandial glycemic response, which may offer advantages to glycemic control.

Improved liquid chromatographic photo diode array mass spectrometric determination of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and related furfurals in honey

ABSTRACT5-Hydroxymethylfurfural is found in several food commodities, including honey. Its concentration is used as one of honey's quality indicators since elevated 5-hydroxymethylfurfural levels indicate overheating and aging of the product. In this context, the European Commission and Codex Alimentarius established the maximum tolerable level for 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, for general type honeys intended for human consumption, at 40 mg kg−1. In this study, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, 2-furfural, and the furfuralic derivative 5-methyl-2-furfural were investigated in Greek honey samples, through a high performance liquid chromatographic photo diode array mass spectrometric method developed and validated. Sample preparation was based on a modification of the ‘Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe’ procedure. The method was sensitive, exhibiting limit of detection for 5-hydroxymethylfurfural at 0.1 mg kg−1, far below the permissible level of 40 mg kg−1. Levels of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in 28 honey samples varied from 0.5 to 23.5 mg kg−1, thus, not worrying for consumers. Traces of 2-furfural were detected in limited samples.

Metabolic profiling of Greek honey samples and evaluation of their antioxidant activity

Metabolic profiling of Greek honey samples and evaluation of their antioxidant activity