Study of honey according to botanical origin and physicochemical parameters in the Biobío Region, Chile

Abstract

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 Biobío Province in the Biobío 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.

Mineral and Botanical Composition of Honey Produced in Chile’s Central-Southern Region

“…The mean ash content obtained in the present study was low (0.25 ± 0.1%)-with no major variations between areas-and complies with the Chilean regulations in all the territories analyzed. Moreover, the concentrations obtained correlate with those reported by [39] for honeys harvested in the districts of Antuco and Nacimiento; [51] for honeys of floral origin (<0.6%); and [52] for honeys from Saudi Arabia and Kashmir (0.23 ± 0.02 and 0.30 ± 0.03%), respectively.…”

“…The moisture content varies between 17.4-18.4%; which indicates that honeys were at an optimum point of maturity [36]-i.e., they would not be affected by premature fermentation or crystallization processes; implying a conservation of physicochemical properties and quality of honey [37]. Furthermore, the moisture values presented in this current study are superior to those reported by [38], in multifloral honeys from southern Chile (15.84%) [39]; in honeys from the Biobío Region (16.28%) and [40] in honeys from the Chubut province Argentina. These differences could be related to fact that the moisture content in honeys is influenced by factors such as the botanical and geographical origin of the nectar, relative humidity, soil conditions, time of collection, degree of ripening, harvesting practices, extraction, processing, and storage conditions [41,42].…”

The bioactive, antioxidant, antibacterial, and physicochemical properties of a range of commercially available Australian honeys

“…An array of these compounds are considered antioxidants, including phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, and other enzymatic and non-enzymatic compounds ( Bueno-Costa et al, 2016 ; da Silva et al, 2016 ). Honey's composition, including antioxidant content, is dependent on its floral source and geographic origins ( Kavanagh et al, 2019 ; Liu et al, 2013 ), which also influence the appearance of honey's physicochemical properties ( García et al, 2020 ).…”

Hyperspectral Microscopy Technology to Detect Syrups Adulteration of Endemic Guindo Santo and Quillay Honey Using Machine-Learning Tools

“…Pollen grains were determined at various taxonomic ranges using specialized bibliographic assistance [ 31 , 32 , 33 ] (Heusser 1971) and the palynological reference collection of the Palynology and Plant Ecology Laboratory of the University of Concepcion, where the Chilean Norm NCh2981 was used [ 29 ]. According to this norm, monofloral honey is defined as honey with a percentage equal to or greater than 45%, and bifloral honey is when the honey contains two species in a minimum proportion of 50% and where there is no difference greater than 5% between the two (INN 2007a).…”

“…With this work, local beekeepers would be incentivized to participate in new markets employing quality seals. Thus, on the one hand, Guindo Santo honey would have an immediate competitive advantage because it is a unique product from the Andes mountain (Alto Biobío in Chile), where the Pewenche indigenous communities live and produce this honey [ 29 ]. Finally, on the other hand, Quillay is an endemic species found in the Biobío and Ñuble region, and its honey would also be favored.…”