Physicochemical Characterization Of Argentinian Honeys From The Phytogeographic Provinces Pampeana, Espinal And Monte Based On Their Sugar Profiles And Quality Parameters

Abstract

The honeys from the Phytogeographic Provinces (PP) of the south of Buenos Airesprovince (Argentina) were characterised by the sugar composition and physicochemicalparameters used for honey quality control. A large set (n=329) of traceable raw honeysamples obtained from beekeepers were analysed and met the specifications of thenational and/or international standards for the evaluated parameters, which denotedtheir blossom origin and confirmed their authenticity, good maturity and freshness. Theinfluence of flora and the pedoclimatic conditions of each phytogeographical region, aswell as their beekeeping practices, on the physical and chemical properties of honeyallowed its characterization. Thus, the honeys from the southeast of Buenos Airesprovince were characterized by higher contents of moisture, fructose, maltose, erlose,hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and ash, pH and electrical conductivity (EC) and slightlylighter colours; while southwest honeys showed higher free acidities, sucrose content andºBrix values. Honeys from the PP Espinal exhibited characteristic lower contents offructose, HMF and ash and EC values, and larger amounts of sucrose. Honeys from thePP Monte presented typical lower moisture contents and slightly darker colours. Honeysfrom the PP Pampeana were typified by higher amounts of fructose.