Work

Assessing Honey Quality: A Focus on Some Physicochemical Parameters of Honey from Iasi County (Romania)

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The study of honey in Iași County reveals its ecological, economic and health importance, emphasizing its unique properties, role in biodiversity and value in promoting sustainable beekeeping and regional identity. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of honey from Iasi County, Romania, analyzing 27 samples collected in 2020 and 2021. The samples include: tilia (8 raw, 7 commercial), acacia (2 raw, 2 commercial), rapeseed (3 raw), sunflower (3 raw) and lavender (2 raw) honey. Analyses were carried out under Romanian/EU standards, assessing parameters such as: color, electrical con-ductivity, moisture, total soluble solids (TSS), acidity (free, lactone, total), pH, hydroxymethyl-furfural (HMF), ash and mineral composition (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe). The results revealed significant differences between raw and commercial honeys. Notably, in commercial tilia honey, higher values were found for color (38.58 mm Pfund vs. 24.14 mm Pfund), total acidity (25.93 meq·kg⁻¹ vs. 17.36 meq·kg⁻¹), and HMF levels (8.84 mg·kg⁻¹ vs. 3.68 mg·kg⁻¹). Conversely, water insoluble solids (0.08 % vs. 0.15 %) and ash content (0.21 % vs. 0.30 %) were lower in commercial samples. Potassium was the most abundant mineral detected, while copper and zinc levels were the lowest. Significant correlations were observed between several parameters, including ash with electrical conductivity and HMF with acidity. This study underscores the impact of processing on honey quality and highlights the importance of understanding honey composition for consumers and producers alike.

Source: Agriculture

DOI: 10.3390/agriculture15030333