Physicochemical characterization of Apis mellifera L. honeys from the northwest region of Rio Grande do Sul State

Abstract

The objective of this research was to determine the physicochemical composition of Apis mellifera L. honeys produced in two consecutive years in the northwest region of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The physicochemical characteristics of 36 honey samples were compared using Student's T-test and their adequacy to standards established by the Brazilian legislation for honey quality was checked. The results varied as follows: pH (3.3-4.4), moisture (14.7-19.8%), acidity (16.9-49.2meq kg-1), hydroxymethylfurfural content (0.15-48.3mg kg-1), reducing sugar (60.1-75.9%), non-reducing sugar (1.35-5.99%), ashes (0.05-0.47%) and solids non-soluble in water (0.016-0.27g kg-1). The statistical analyses of honey samples produced in two consecutive years showed that the moisture, acidity and hydroxymethylfurfural content varied significantly. The honey samples produced in this region were in accordance with the Brazilian legislation for honey quality.