Changes in antibacterial activity, colour, and hydrogen peroxide content of Western Australian Jarrah and Marri honeys after storage at different temperatures over time

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of storage and different temperatures on the antibacterial activity and physicochemical characteristics of several types of honey. Methods and results: Honeys stored for 16weeks at 37 and 45°C showed signifcant declines in antibacterial activity determined by minimum nhibitory concentrations, the loss of hydrogen peroxide, decreases in honey pH, and increases in honey colour, with changes most pronounced at 45°C. In contrast, honeys stored for 16weeks at ambient (~22°C) and cold (4, -20, and -80°C) temperatures showed only minor changes. In a second set of 12 honeys stored for 16-32 months at ambient temperature and then 4°C, honeys showed minor changes in antibacteria activity, increases in colour, and decreases in pH. For a third set of 17 honeys stored for fve years at ambient temperature, the honeys showed almost complete loss of hydrogen peroxide and were all signifcantly darker in colour, but showed varied changes in antibacterial activity. Conclusions: Heat was detrimental to the antibacterial activity of honeys, as was long-term storage at ambient temperatures for some honeys but not others.