ABSTRACT
Study of honey according to botanical origin and physicochemical parameters in the Biobio Region, Chile.
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| Sofia GarcÃa1, J. Max Troncoso2, 3*, and Mauricio Rondanelli-Reyes2 |
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| The physicochemical properties of honey vary considerably depending on the nectar sipped by Apis mellifera bees because these characteristics are determined by environmental, geographical, and vegetational conditions in foraging areas. The aim of this study was to characterize types of honey from the BiobÃo Province in the BiobÃo Region, Chile, according to its botanical origin and physicochemical and microbiological characteristics, and thus contribute to increased knowledge about honey in the region. A total of 11 samples from different communes within the region were analyzed. Physicochemical parameters such as moisture, insoluble solids, ashes, electrical conductivity, pH, and hydroxymethylfurfural were determined, and the presence of coliforms and Escherichia coli was evaluated. Two places of provenance were characterized as monofloral of introduced plant species: the M11 sample of Melilotus indicus and the M1 sample of Echium vulgare. One place of provenance (M6 sample) was characterized as monofloral of Eucryphia glutinosa, species endemic to Chile. All types of honey complied with the physicochemical standards established by national and international food safety regulations, and none had any signs of coliforms or E. coli. Results showed that there are new types of honey in the region that meet all the required parameters; in addition, they provide a comparison of plant species that are unique in the world. This demonstrates the potential of these types of honey for national and international marketing. |
| Keywords: Apis Mellifera, Eucryphia glutinosa, melissopalynology, monofloral, physicochemical. |
1Universidad Santo Tomás, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Mendoza 120, Los Ãngeles, Chile.
2Universidad de Concepción, Escuela de Ciencias y TecnologÃas, Departamento de Ciencias y TecnologÃa Vegetal, Juan Antonio Coloma 0201, Los Ãngeles, Chile.
3Universidad Adventista de Chile, Facultad de Educación y Ciencias Sociales, Camino a Tanilvoro km 12, Chillán, Chile.
*Corresponding author (josemaxtroncoso@gmail.com). |
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