Multifloral Honey Research Articles

Determination of the Physical Characteristics of Food Raw Materials by Spectrophotometry - The Example of Honey

The paper presents changes in the color of 10 selected types of honey during storage. The measurements were performed using a MiniScan XE Plus spectrophotometer (HunterLab). The color of honey was described based on L*a*b* coordinates. The values of hue h* and chroma C* were also calculated. Until day 14 of storage. no statistically significant ( p= 0.01) changes in the color of crystallized oilseed rape honey, liquid multifloral honey and crystallized multifloral honey were noted. The color of the remaining seven honey types started to change on the first day of storage.

Palynological and physicochemical data characterisation of honeys produced in the Entre‐Douro e Minho region of Portugal

SummaryHoney legislation has been addressed to establish the minimum marketing level of the product and the need for consumer protection through correct denominations. Research oriented toward assessment of floral origin and physicochemical properties may increase the commercial value of these products. The characteristics of thirty‐one honeys produced in the Entre‐Douro e Minho region in Portugal were studied. Pollen features and some physicochemical parameters (moisture, ash, pH, free acidity, electrical conductivity, hydroxymethylfurfural contain, apparent sucrose, reducing sugars and diastase activity) were determined. The samples were found to meet international honey specifications. The present study found a linear regression between the ash content of honeys and their specific conductivity. Five samples are listed as Eucalyptus honey, one sample as Citrus honey, and twenty‐five samples as multifloral honeys. Of the total, 87.1% exceeded the quality parameters and should be labelled as ‘virgin’ honey.

Pollen spectra of honeys from the Middle Delta of the Paraná River (Argentina) and their environmental relationship

The aim of this study was to characterize honeys from the Middle Delta of Paraná River (Argentina) through pollen analysis and basic sensorial analysis, as well as assessing the vegetation contribution of this freshwater wetland as a source of nectar for Apis mellifera. Sixty-five samples were studied, out of which 109 pollen types, belonging to 53 plant families, were identified. The families Asteraceae and Leguminosae provided the greatest diversity of pollen types. Multifloral honeys were predominant (> 70%). Monofloral honeys were from Type Polygonum hydropiperoides (7), Sagittaria montevidensis (5), Eupatorium spp. (3), Pontederiaceae (2) and Salix humboltiana 1. Regional honeys are mistakenly called "Catay honeys" (Polygonum spp.) due to the wide distribution of species of this genus and the intense activity of honey bees observed on them. However, in the samples studied, Type Polygonum hydropiperoides varied from < 1% to 81% showing similar sensorial characteristics, among which the absence of crystals stands out. Pollen spectra of the "Catay honeys" reflect the surrounding freshwater wetland vegetation; when they present a value of > 25% taxa that do not belong to this ecosystem, they differ in their sensorial characteristics, particularly the presence of crystals. Pollen types such as Type Polygonum hydropiperoides, Sagittaria montevidensis, Eupatorium spp., Pontederiaceae, Nymphoides indica, Mimosa vellosiella, Vigna luteola, Cleome sp. and Type Solanum glaucophyllum, are suggested as geographical markers. According to the current knowledge, we propose to characterize these honeys considering their geographical origin instead of their botanical origin.

Abstract A52: Characterization of Indian honey and its anticancerous activity against colon cancer

Abstract Four multifloral honey types from different Indian origin (named as Samples A, B, C and D) were analyzed for their phenolic acids using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). HPLC-Mass Spectroscopy analysis revealed that dihydroxy benzoic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid and cinnamic acid were the major phenolic acid constituents of the tested honey. The total antioxidant potential and free radical scavenging ability varied among the honey samples and exhibited a significant correlation with their phenolic content. Further the honey samples were studied for rheology and thermal properties. Controlled shear rate viscometry indicated the Newtonian behavior (a drop in the viscosity as the temperature increases) in the honey samples. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed the inflection transition temperature (Tg) of the honey samples ranged between - 51.40 °C to −30.64 °C. Thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay revealed that the honey samples containing higher phenolic content showed significant antiproliferative effect against colon cancer cells. From the abovesaid experiments, Sample C among the four was found to be better based on its phenolic, antioxidant and antiproliferative effects and chosen for further studies. Honey induced the apoptotic signal via initial depletion of intracellular non protein thiols, consequently reducing the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. P53 up-regulation and modulation of pro and antiapoptotic proteins were observed in the honey induced apoptosis. The work was extended further to study the constituents of honey that induced apoptosis. For this, we screened the antiproliferative effect of some reported phenolic constituents namely p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, gallic acid and eugenol in colon cancer cells. We had selected eugenol based on their better antiproliferative nature and elucidated the mechanism. Eugenol treatment resulted in reduction of intracellular non-protein thiols and increase in the earlier lipid layer break. Further events like dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential and generation of ROS were accompanied in the eugenol-induced apoptosis. Finally we had studied the anticancer activity of honey samples (Samples B and C) and eugenol against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma. We found that Sample C remarkably inhibited the tumor growth by 40 % compared to Sample B (12.17 %) against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma when given 25% v/v intraperitoneally (i/p). We had found eugenol with a dose of 100 mg/Kg showed nearly 29% tumor inhibition. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(1 Suppl):A52.

Monosaccharides and oligosaccharides in four types of Slovenian honey

Honey consists of simple carbohydrates. Glucose and fructose represent the majority of honey’s carbohydrate profile, while a spectrum of oligosaccharides is in minority, but typical for the honey type regarding its main source nectar or honeydew, respectively. The content of different carbohydrates was determined in 63 samples of four types of Slovenian honey (acacia, spruce, multifloral and forest honey). The honey samples were of different botanical and geographical origin, and were analysed six to ten months after harvest. The type of honey was determined by sensory analysis and electrical conductometry. In order to determine the content of monosaccharides and oligosaccharides high-pressure anion exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD) was used. The applied chromatographic method with pulsed amperometric detection enables reliable and selective detection of carbohydrates, especially oligosaccharides, in honey. Statistical comparison of the results showed that there were statistically significant differences among some parameters, while for others such differences did not exist. The results of our research and available data of other authors propose that the carbohydrate profile (the presence of individual carbohydrates in honey) and the content of carbohydrates in honey may have a potentially valuable role in the assessment of botanical origin of honey and as an indicator of putative adulteration of honey with sugar mixes or syrups, respectively. Nevertheless, analysis on numerous samples and different honey types are needed.

Evaluation of antioxidant activity and total phenolics of selected Czech honeys

Abstract Honey serves as a good source of natural antioxidants, which are effective in reducing the risk occurrence of heart disease, cancer, cataracts, different inflammatory processes and immune-system decline. In the fresh selected Czech honey samples originated mainly from the region North Moravia antioxidant activity and total polyphenol content were determined. A total of 40 honey samples (multifloral, lime, rape, raspberry, mixture and honeydew honeys) native to different stations gained in the period from May by August year 2006 were analysed. Total phenolics (TP) content was determined by the modified Folin-Ciocalteau method [TP was expressed as mg of gallic acid equivalent (GA eq.) per kg of honey]. For evaluation of the antioxidant activity (AOA) three different methods were used, the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and the 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazolin)-6-sulfphonate (ABTS) assay. AOA was expressed in mg ascorbic acid equivalent (AA eq.) per kg of honey. The results indicated that TP and AOA in Czech honey varied greatly between the honey kinds, location and time of the harvest. Average TP ranged from 89.9 mg GA eq. kg -1 in lime honey to 215.2 mg GA eq. kg −1 in honeydew honey. Antioxidant activity determined by the DPPH, ABTS and FRAP methods was lowest in floral honeys. The highest values were obtained for honeydew and mixture honeys. ABTS and FRAP assays have been shown to be the optimal methods for AOA determination in honey. A positive linear correlation between AOA and TP was observed (in FRAP assay R 2 = 0.852). It indicates that phenolics are one of the main components responsible for antioxidant behaviour of honey. The obtained results support and extend complete knowledge about the content of bioactive phenolics and antioxidant activity in the Czech honeys.

Quinoline alkaloids in honey: Further analytical (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS, multidimensional diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy), theoretical and chemometric studies

The wound-healing properties of honey are well established and it has been suggested that, among its pharmaco-active constituents, kynurenic acid (KA) exerts antinociceptive action on injured tissue by antagonizing NMDA at peripheral GABA receptors. The aim of this study was to investigate the quantitative profile of KA and of two recently identified, structurally related derivatives, 3-pyrrolidinyl-kynurenic acid (3-PKA) and its γ-lactamic derivative (γ-LACT-3-PKA), by examining their mass spectrometric behavior, in honeys from different botanical sources. We used a combination of HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS and NMR techniques (one-dimensional 1H NMR and diffusion-ordered spectroscopy NMR). Chestnut honey constantly contained KA (2114.9–23 g/kg), 3-PKA (482.8–80 mg/kg) and γ-LACT-3-PKA (845.8–32 mg/kg), confirming their reliability as markers of origin. A new metabolite, 4-quinolone (4-QUIN), was identified for the first time in one chestnut honey sample (743.4 mg/kg). Small amounts of KA were found in honeydew, sunflower, multifloral, almond and eucalyptus honeys, in the range of 23.1–143 mg/kg, suggesting contamination with chestnut honey. Total phenol content (TPC) was in the range from 194.9 to 1636.3 mg GAE/kg and total antiradical activity (TAA) from 61 to 940 mg/ GAE/kg), depending on the botanical origin. Principal component analysis (PCA) was then done on these data. The three different clusters depicted: (i) antinociceptive activity from KA and/or its derivatives, typical of chestnut honey; (ii) antioxidant/radical scavenging activity by antioxidants responsible for the antiinflammatory action (dark honeys); (iii) peroxide-dependent antibacterial activity due to H 2O 2 production by glucose oxidase in honey. The PCA findings provide useful indications for the dermatologist for the treatment of topical diseases, and the profiling of KA and its derivatives may shed light on new aspects of the kynurenine pathway involved in tryptophan metabolism.

PREDICTION OF HONEY SHELF LIFE

ABSTRACT Fourteen commercial honey samples of different botanical origin (acacia, chestnut, citrus, eucalyptus, multifloral) were stored for up to 18 months at room temperature. Both 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and diastase were evaluated and kinetics carried out. The highest HMF increase was in citrus and eucalyptus honeys at 3 mg/kg/month; the lowest in chestnut at 0.256 mg/kg/month. The highest diastase deactivation was in eucalyptus honey at 0.485 DU/kg/month; the lowest was in chestnut at 0.258 DU/kg/month. Honey shelf life was estimated for both indices, HMF and diastase, using a Bayesian approach. The results show that commercial honey shelf life depends on botanical origin as well as processing. Except chestnut, all other honeys showed shorter shelf lives than the declared one (usually 36 months). The shortest values, 15 months, were for citrus and eucalyptus honeys. The longest, 20 months, was for acacia and multifloral honeys. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSBoth kinetic equations and results of simulations can be used to estimate, for quality control purposes as well as regulation requirements, the most probable value of shelf life for a specific honey.

Honey from Luso region (Portugal): Physicochemical characteristics and mineral contents

This work was conducted to evaluate the quality of 38 honey samples from Luso region (Portugal), and to study the relation between Eucalyptus pollen and chemical properties of honey. Mean values obtained for physicochemical parameters were: pH 3.83; 16.65% moisture; 80.7 °Brix sugar; 0.35% ash; 419.6 μS cm − 1 electrical conductivity; 21.5 meq/kg free acidity; 9.6 meq/kg lactonic acidity; 31.2 meq/kg total acidity; 9.41 mg/kg HMF and 18.3° Gothe diastase activity. The mineral content was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry, and in the analysed samples, potassium was the major element, being magnesium the minor one. Mean values obtained were (mg/kg): Ca, 59.88; K, 1150.10; Mg, 35.57; Na, 261.43. Among the overall determined parameters, only Mg, ash and electrical conductivity were influenced by the presence of Eucalyptus pollen in the honey samples: the values obtained for Mg, ash and electrical conductivity in multifloral honey without Eucalyptus were lower than those of either monofloral or multifloral honey with Eucalyptus. The results obtained for physicochemical characteristics of Luso honey indicate a good quality level, adequate processing, good maturity and freshness.

Pollen Contents Of Commercial Honeys Of Opi, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria

Pollen analyses of seven honey samples from Opi-Nsukka Mini market were evaluated for their pollen composition. The results yielded a total of 77 plants belonging to 40 families of flowering plants. Thirty-three plants were identified to the generic level, while thirty-two plants were identified to the specific levels. The pollen types belonging to members of the plant families of Poaceae, Agavaceae and Combretaceae/ Melastomataceae were classified only to their respective source plant families. The composition of the contributing plant species shows that the honey samples were multifloral honeys derived from a wide range of nectar and pollen sources. Also, pollen types of trees and shrubs of entomophilous plants were predominant in the samples. The qualitative and quantitative composition of pollen grains in the samples were very low in some of the honey samples indicating that some of the honey samples were diluted (adulterated) with non-floral substance (syrup). Some important honey plants identified which are characteristic of Nsukka vegetation and also reflecting common pollen load and nectar sources include Lannea microcarpa, Senna spp, Daniellia oliveri, Parkia biglobosa, Hymenocardia acida, Lophira lanceolata, Syzygium guineense, Parinari spp, Elaeis guineensis, Alchornea cordifolia and members of Combretaceae/Melastomataceae. Keywords : Adulteration, Entomophilous Plants, Multifloral Honey, Pollen. Plant Product Research Journal Vol. 11 2007: pp. 5-11

HONEYDEW HONEY PRODUCED IN TRANSYLVANIA: PHYSICO-CHEMICAL AND MELISOPALLINOLOGICAL EVALUATION FOR AUTHENTICITY CHARACTERIZATION

28 declared honeydew honey samples were collected from different Transylvanian areas directly from the beekeepers (24 samples) or from supermarket (4 samples). Physico-chemical parameters as well as microscopic analysis were done in order to authenticate the honeydew honey from this part of Romania. The results of electrical conductivity, ash and mineral content, honeydew honey elements demonstrated that from the analyzed samples 7 were real honeydew honeys, 9 were mixture of multifloral and honeydew honeys and 12 were multifloral honeys. High quantity of honey, ddeclared and sold as honeydew honey do not correspond to the EU requirements for honeydew honey. To improve this situation, a better control by the authorities and certified laboratories, is needed

CORRELATION BETWEEN THE PHENOLIC CONTENT AND ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY OF DECLARED HONEYDEW HONEYS PRODUCED IN TRANSYLVANIA

Declared honeydew honey samples from different counties of Transylvania were screened for total phenolic content by a modified Folin-Ciocalteu method and for their potential antioxidant activity using three different spectrophotometric methods: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and Trolox equivalent antioxidant activity (TEAC). The results of the study showed that not all the declared honeydew honey samples, correspond to the EU standard for honeydew honey, and they can be divided in three groups: honeydew honeys, mixture of honeydew and multifloral honey and multifloral honey. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the honey are not strongly correlated parameters they differ widely among honey type. Phenolic content expressed as gallic acid equivalents ranged from 33,42 to 286,6 mgGAE/100g in the analyzed samples. Antioxidant activity presents the highest values in real honeydew honey samples and the lowest activity in multifloral honeys

Ecuadorian stingless bee (Meliponinae) honey: A chemical and functional profile of an ancient health product

Stingless bee honey samples from west Amazonian Ecuador were studied for their physiochemical, chemical and functional properties. Reducing sugars (44.9 ± 5.72 g/100 g), water (34.1 ± 4.34 g/100 g), free acidity (31.8 ± 4.05 meq/100 g), diastase activity (1.60 ± 0.20 u.d./g), hydroxymethylfurfural (15.0 ± 1.91 mg/kg), electrical conductivity (0.48 ± 0.06 mS/cm), ash (0.28 ± 0.04 g/100 g), colour (150 mm Pfund) were determined as physicochemical parameters. Melissopalynological analyses were processed evidencing pollen belonging to 14 plant families. Glucose (25.5 ± 3.41 g/100 g), fructose (25.2 ± 3.37 g/100 g) and sucrose (3.72 ± 0.49 g/100 g) contents were determined by HPLC, evidencing equal concentrations between fructose and glucose. Coumarins and flavonoids were determined by densitometric HPTLC: fraxin and bergamotin (0.065 ± 0.009; 0.035 ± 0.005 μg/g) among coumarins; luteolin (0.045 ± 0.006 μg/g), quercitrin (0.020 ± 0.003 μg/g), isoramnetin (0.015 ± 0.002 μg/g) among flavonoids. Among the vitamin E isomers, evaluated by HPLC, the occurrence of the only β-tocopherol (1.12 ± 0.15 μg/g) was noted. All these results were compared with those acquired for two multifloral Apis mellifera honeys. DPPH and β-carotene bleaching tests were performed, showing interesting values for Ecuadorian honey samples, higher than those shown by multifloral A. mellifera honeys (88.1 ± 11.1 DPPH inhibition%; 70.8 ± 8.90 β-carotene inhibition%). Antibacterial activity, against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, revealed MIC values (10–50 μg/ml) always lower than those of A. mellifera honeys. Ecuadorian Meliponinae honey samples also showed anti-mutagenic activity assayed with Saccharomyces cerevisiae D7 strain, inhibiting back mutation over the entire range of concentrations.

Degradation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural in Honey

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is the most important intermediate product of the acid-catalyzed dehydration reaction of hexoses and/or Maillard reaction; furthermore, it is the most used index to evaluate thermal damages or ageing in food products. Usually its degradation reactions, being very slow, are neglected. This study reports the findings concerning the degradation kinetics of HMF, in honeys of different floral origin at a temperature between 25 and 50 degrees C. The results highlighted higher degradation rates (k(HMF) (degradation)) compared to the corresponding formation rates (k(HMF) (formation)) in chestnut and citrus samples. Similar k-values were found in multifloral honey. Moreover, the reaction of HMF degradation was characterized by lower activation energy (E(a)) values compared to E(a) formation values. The final concentration of HMF in honey, during storage at room temperature, should be ascribed to high sugar concentration. The fluctuation of HMF in honeys could depend on the equilibrium between the accumulation and the degradation processes. This can affect the validity of HMF as storage index in some honeys, above all during the analysis of those honeys whose legislation is too restrictive (citrus) or in chestnut honey analysis where it does not accumulate.

Inhibitory activity of monofloral and multifloral honeys against bacterial pathogens.

Inhibitory activity of monofloral and multifloral honeys against bacterial pathogens.

Antifungal Activity of Turkish Honey againstCandidaspp. andTrichosporonspp: anin vitroevaluation

Abstract Honey samples from different floral sources were evaluated for their ability to inhibit the growth of 40 yeast strains (Candida albicans, C. krusei, C. glabrata and Trichosoporon spp.). Broth microdilution method (CLSI, M27-A2) was used to assess the activity of the honeys against yeasts at different concentrations ranging from 1.25-80% (v/v). All of the yeast strains tested were inhibited by honeys in this study. Broth microdilution assay revealed that inhibition of growth depends on the type and concentration of honey as well as the test pathogen. Little or no antifungal activity was seen at honey concentrations <2%. Rhododendron and multifloral honeys have generally more inhibitory effect than eucalyptus and orange honeys (P<0.05). Fluconazole-resistant yeast strains were examined for their susceptibility to honeys. This study demonstrated that, in vitro, these honeys had antifungal activity at the high concentration of 80% (v/v) in these fluconazole-resistant strains. Further studies are now required to demonstrate if this antifungal activity has any clinical application.

Inhibitory activity of monofloral and multifloral honeys against bacterial pathogens

SummaryThirty one honey samples were evaluated for their ability to inhibit the growth of ten bacterial pathogens: Escherichia coli O157:H7; Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium; Shigella sonnei; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Bacillus cereus; Listeria monocytogenes; Staphylococcus aureus 9144 and MRSA; Streptococcus mutans; and Enterococcus faecalis, using a well diffusion assay. All Gram-negative bacteria except P. aeruginosa were sensitive to all of the honey samples and also to artificial honey used as control at 25% concentration. S.sonnei was the pathogen whose growth was most inhibited by honey. P. aeruginosa exhibited overgrowth of surrounding wells inoculated with five honey samples. Each Gram-positive pathogen and the different strains of S. aureus exhibited different sensitivities to honeys. The three honeys from Galicia (Spain) were the most active. E. coli O157:H7, S. sonnei, MRSA, S. mutans and E. faecalis were studied for specific inhibitory activity. E. coli O157:H7, S. sonnei and E faecalis were inhibited by high sugar concentration. The inhibition of MRSA and S. mutans was caused by hydrogen peroxide generation. MRSA was also inhibited by two unprocessed honeys due to the presence of proteinaceous compounds. Such activity is potentially of importance in honey used as wound dressing and also as a preservative in minimally processed foods.

Study of variation in the pollen spectra of honeys sampled from the Allariz—Maceda (Ourense) geopolitical country in northwest Spain

Pollen spectrum of forty—five honey samples from different apiaries in the Allariz—Maceda geopolitical country (northwest Spain) was studied to quantitative and qualitative melissopalynological analysis. Quantitative analysis show that eight samples belonged to Maurizio's class I, eleven honeys to class II, eleven to class III, eleven to class IV and three to class V. Qualitative analysis classified six samples as unifloral honey Rubus ulmifolius-type, two unifloral Castanea sativa honeys, two honey dew and 35 as multifloral honey with different pollinic—types as principal component. Pollen spectra in the honeys analysed Castanea sativa and Rubus ulmifolius-type as the pollens more abundant and present in all the honeys pollen and abounding in all.

A melissopalynological map of the South and Southwest of the Buenos Aires Province, Argentina

The aim of this work was to produce a melissopalynological map of the south and Southwest of the Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, using pollen analysis data pertaining to 127 honey samples from the Pampa, Espinal (the Calden District), and Monte de Llanuras y Mesetas ecoregions, collected over the period 1992-2002. Using principal components and hierarchical cluster analysis, the different districts were grouped into five regions: I (Tres Arroyos, San Cayetano, Coronel Pringles and Coronel Dorrego), II (Guaminí, Saavedra, Coronel Suárez and Adolfo Alsina), III (Coronel Rosales, Monte Hermoso, Bahía Blanca and Villarino), IV (Patagones and Tornquist), and V (Puán). In Regions I, III and IV, 80% of honey samples were monofloral: Region I was characterized by the presence of 50% Helianthus annuus honeys and 10% clover honeys, Region III by 65% Eucalyptus sp. honeys, and Region IV by 30% Diplotaxis tenuifolia honeys. In Regions II and V, 50% of honeys were monofloral. Region II was distinguished by the presence of 50% H. annuus honeys, and Region V by 15% Larrea divaricata and 15% Vicia sp. honeys. The multifloral honeys of Region V included samples containing Condalia microphylla pollen. The families Fabaceae and Asteraceae provided the greatest diversity of pollen types. The association of Eucalyptus sp., Centaurea sp., and Diplotaxis tenuifolia characterised the honeys from all five regions. The natural variability of honey samples renders it very difficult to define the boundaries between the different regions.

Screening of volatile composition from Portuguese multifloral honeys using headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography–quadrupole mass spectrometry

The volatile composition from four types of multifloral Portuguese (produced in Madeira Island) honeys was investigated by a suitable analytical procedure based on dynamic headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) followed by thermal desorption gas chromatography–quadrupole mass spectrometry detection (GC–qMS). The performance of five commercially available SPME fibres: 100 μm polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS; 85 μm polyacrylate, PA; 50/30 μm divinylbenzene/carboxen on polydimethylsiloxane, DVB/CAR/PDMS (StableFlex); 75 μm carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane, CAR/PDMS, and 65 μm carbowax/divinylbenzene, CW/DVB; were evaluated and compared. The highest amounts of extract, in terms of the maximum signal obtained for the total volatile composition, were obtained with a DVB/CAR/PDMS coating fibre at 60 °C during an extraction time of 40 min with a constant stirring at 750 rpm, after saturating the sample with NaCl (30%). Using this methodology more than one hundred volatile compounds, belonging to different biosynthetic pathways were identified, including monoterpenols, C 13-norisoprenoids, sesquiterpenes, higher alcohols, ethyl esters and fatty acids. The main components of the HS-SPME samples of honey were in average ethanol, hotrienol, benzeneacetaldehyde, furfural, trans-linalool oxide and 1,3-dihydroxy-2-propanone.