Characterization ofEucalyptus GlobulusHoneys Produced in the Eurosiberian Area of the Iberian Peninsula

Abstract

The characterization of thirty-one honey samples using melisopalynological and physicochemical characteristics as diastase activity, invertase activity, pH, moisture, electrical conductivity, hydroxymethylfurfural content, and color, as well as phenolic and flavonoid content, mineral composition, and sugar content was performed. All the samples were produced in the Eurosiberian area of the Iberian Peninsula. Relationships between certain pollen types and the selected physicochemical parameters have been found using a Spearman rank correlation analysis. The principal component analysis of data set was an important tool for the determination of the variables used to characterize this honey type.

Características fisicoquímicas de mieles comerciales de eucalipto del suroeste de Casanare

“…It influences honey color and flavor and depends on environmental conditions (Gomes et al 2010). The result is similar to values found in other honeys (Bath y Singh 1999;Sorkun et al 2001;Piazza and Persano 2004;Rodríguez et al 2014). …”

“…These values were similar to those found by Rodríguez et al (2014) in honeys of the same genus. The total phenolic content was below the average reported by Ciappini and Stoppani (2014) but the flavonoids content was slightly higher.…”

“…The electrical conductivity (0.813 mS cm -1 ) was slightly higher than the requirements of the Colombian regulations, but still within the limit provided by the European Directive for Eucalyptus honey and in line with other data reported for analogous honeys (Sorkun et al 2001;Piazza and Persano 2004;Benaziza-Bouchema and Schweitzer 2010;Chakir et al 2011;Rodríguez et al 2014).…”

“…These results show the samples are fresh, despite their storage time. This value is above the one reported by other authors (Sorkun et al 2001;BenazizaBouchema and Schweitzer 2010;Rodríguez et al 2014); we can infer that other tested honeys were fresher than the ones analyzed here.…”

“…Other research studies with Eucalyptus camaldulensis and comparable honeys (Sorkun et al 2001;Piazza and Persano 2004;Benaziza-Bouchema and Schweitzer 2010;Rodríguez et al 2014) have reported a diastase mean value higher than 13.2° Gothe, representing a low enzymatic content related to the period of year in which the production is done, and the period of brood feeding. The results show a very low production of enzymes provided that the mean diastase activity (3.21 °Gothe) did not fulfill the minimum value required by law (8 °Gothe).…”