Physicochemical Characteristics of Yemeni Honey PDF

Keywords

Yemeni honey, characteristics, physical properties, chemical properties

Abstract

Popular types of Yemeni honey were evaluated for their physical and chemical properties. Fourteen parameters were determined in tested honey: moisture, pH, acidity (free, lactone and total), ash, electrical conductivity (E.C. ), hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF), proline, Diastase number(Goth scale), reducing sugar, sucrose, glucose and fructose. Results indicated that Buckthorn (Zizyphus spina-christi, sidir) honey had the highest (P<0.05) means in ash and E.C. Significant sucrose contents (P<0.05) and lowest reducing sugar (%) were the main features of sugar-fed bees' honey, 'sugar honey'. Acacia spp. Joney (Acacia honey) was different (P<0.05) from other types in total acidity, proline and fructose. It could be concluded that floral Yemeni honey types were in conformity with honey regulations laid down by many regional and international standard organizations; e.g. the Saudi Arabian standards and Codex Alimentarius Commission (FAO/WHO).