Characterization of Estonian honeys by botanical origin; pp. 183–192

Abstract

This study characterizes Estonian honeys based on their physico-chemical properties and chemical composition. Melissopalynological analysis was carried out to determine the botanical origin of each honey. According to pollen analysis, 39% of the honeys analysed appeared to be unifloral rape (Brassica napus), raspberry (Rubus idaeus), or heather (Calluna vulgaris) honeys. Fluorescence spectroscopy was used to estimate both the physico-chemical parameters and floral content of each honey sample by comparing these estimates with experimental data measured using standard techniques. The r 2 correlation between estimated values and experimental data was above 0.7 for several parameters, including free acidity with an r 2 of 0.919.