Botanical Origin, Pollen Profile, and Physicochemical Properties of Algerian Honey from Different Bioclimatic Areas

Abstract

The palynological and physicochemical analysis of 62 honey samples produced in different biogeographical areas of Algeria was conducted. Results showed high variety in the botanical origin of samples and their physicochemical profile. Twenty-six samples were polyfloral honey, 30 were unifloral honey from different botanical sources such as Eucalyptus, Citrus, Apiaceae, Punica, Erica, Rosmarinus, Eriobotrya, or Hedysarum, and 6 were characterized as honeydew honey. Pollen analysis allowed the identification of 104 pollen types belonging to 51 botanical families, whereas the physicochemical profile showed important variations between samples. Multivariate techniques were used to compare the characteristics of samples from different biogeographical areas, showing significant differences between humid-area samples, located in the northeast of the country, and samples taken in semiarid, subhumid, and arid zones. Principal-component analysis (PCA) extracted nine components explaining 72% of data variance, being 30%, the sum of Component 1 and Component 2. The plot of both components showed samples grouped upon botanical and geographical origin. The results of this paper highlighted the great variability in honey production of Algeria, evidencing the importance of honey characterization to guarantee authenticity and to valorize local production.

Sensorial, Melissopalynological and Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Honey from Babors Kabylia’s Region (Algeria)

“…Diastase content was frequently lower than the stablished limit in international legislation; however, HMF content does not exceed the limit. Similar values to those found in these sample was reported by [ 31 ] for Algerian honeys but higher values were also found [ 7 ]. It is essential to remark that water content and diastase index are dependent on several factors, including botanical and geographical origin, environmental and seasonal conditions, the degree of maturity and the beekeepers’ handling during the honey harvest [ 32 ].…”

“…Indeed, honeys produced in dry regions should have lower moisture content than honeys produced in humid regions. Similar values were reported by [ 7 , 30 ] on honeys produced in a nearby region, as well as those produced in the Mediterranean coast [ 6 ], coinciding with the humid area of Algeria. In any cases, the studied samples had relatively high-water content that should be considered due to their relationship with stability and conservation of honey.…”

“…and Medicago polymorpha L. The importance of Fabaceae for honey production in the region was mentioned previously, either to produce monofloral honeys and/or to participate importantly in the production of polyfloral honeys [ 4 , 33 , 40 , 41 , 42 ]. Their importance also appears in studies carried out on honeys from the Mediterranean regions of Algeria [ 2 , 7 , 34 , 43 ].…”

“…It has been considered as a biodiversity hotspot because of the richness of its flora and the presence of high number of endemic plants [ 3 ]. Within this large plant biodiversity, melliferous plants constitute an important part, so that it is possible to produce a wide variety of honey types [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. According to [ 8 , 9 ], the plant species visited by the bees as well as the environment in which the honey was produced seem to have a strong influence on its quality and quantity; hence, it is possible to relate it to its geographical origin and on the other hand, honey could be a footprint of its environment.…”

The Use of UV Spectroscopy and SIMCA for the Authentication of Indonesian Honeys According to Botanical, Entomological and Geographical Origins

“…The main components of honey are carbohydrates (e.g., glucose and fructose in nearly 75% w/w ), organic acids, amino acids, vitamins, volatile oils, and minerals [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]. Moreover, its minor components and appearance are highly affected by different sources of nectar (botanical origin), different types of honeybees, and geographical factors, such as beekeeping practices, climate, and storage conditions [ 5 ]. In terms of botanical origin, honey can be categorized into two broad types, namely monofloral and multifloral honey.…”