Influência das características físico-químicas e composição elementar nas cores de méis produzidos por Apis mellifera no sudoeste da Bahia utilizando análise multivariada

Abstract

Recebido em 29/4/09; aceito em 18/12/09; publicado na web em 8/4/10 INFLUENCE OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ELEMENTAL COMPOSITION ON HONEY COLORS PRODUCED BY Apis mellifera IN SOUTHWEST BAHIA USING MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS. In this study honey samples produced in the southwest of Bahia were characterized based on physicochemical and mineral (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Mn, Fe and Zn) composition. The metals were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The application of multivariate analysis showed that the honey colors are consequence of the mineral and physicochemical compositions. The darkest honey samples are characterized by higher values of pH and for presenting a strong relationship with Ca and Fe content.