Caractérisation des principaux miels des régions du Nord de l'Algérie

Abstract

The physico-chemical properties (moisture content, pH, electric conductivity, total acidity, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), diastasic activity, contents in glucose, fructose and saccharose) as well as pollen analysis (palynology) were used to characterize 28 honey samples from the North of Algeria. Pollen analysis results showed the dominance of monofloral honeys from Citrus and Eucalyptus with percentages of pollen varying respectively from 50 to 60% and 80 to 99% as well as polyfloral honeys. These honeys are characteristic of the regions of Algiers, Blida, Tipaza and Boumerdès. Moisture content, pH, electric conductivity, total acidity, hydroxymethylfurfural and diastasic activity were lower or equal to 18.6% ± 0.28, 4.23 ± 0.01, 0.80 ± 0.06 ms/cm, 50.4 meq/kg, 38.7 ± 1.8 mg/kg et 34 ± 1.2 units of Schade/g, respectively. The results of physico-chemical analysis showed that these honeys met international standards and their characterization will make it possible for Algeria to obtain quality labels.