Honeys from the Argentine Phytogeographic Provinces Chaqueña and Monte in Catamarca and La Rioja

Abstract

The characterization of Argentinean honeys from the vegetation units (VUs) of the phytogeographical provinces located in Catamarca and La Rioja was performed with the analysis used for honey quality control: sugar profile, free acidity, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), color and contents of moisture, ash, total soluble solids, and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). Honeys were authentic and traceable, and complied with the specifications of national and/or international standards, verifying their blossom origin, high quality, good maturity, and freshness. Honeys from VU-9 and VU-23 presented significantly distinctive physicochemical parameters, evidencing the influence of the flora and pedoclimatic conditions of these VUs. Honeys from VU-23 presented significantly higher contents of glucose and total reducing sugars (F + G), and lower EC, ash contents, fructose/glucose ratio, and concentrations of turanose and maltose than those from VU-9. Honeys from VU-23 in La Rioja also exhibited characteristic lighter colors and lower pH and ºBrix values and turanose amounts; and honeys from VU-9 in La Rioja exhibited highest pH values. Catamarca honeys were characterized by high free acidity and high amounts of turanose, regardless of the VUs. The contents of sugars and total soluble solids, moisture, pH, EC, and color of honeys from Catamarca and La Rioja are published here for the first time. This study contributes to the typification of honeys from these provinces, which will provide them an added value and allow them to access newer markets.