Characterization of Argentine honeys based on odour, colour and flavour attributes by descriprive sensory analysis

Abstract

Argentina is one of the world’s largest producers of honey. It shows great botanical and geographical diversity that allows producing honey with varied sensory characteristics. Honey samples belonging to Buenos Aires, Catamarca and Misiones provinces (Argentina) were analyzed and typified by their odour, colour and flavour. Sensory attributes depend and phytogeographic origin. No differences were found in sensory analysis beneath years for each province, however significant differences in colour were found between provinces, indicating a distinctive floral composition throughout space. Lighter honeys are produced in Buenos Aires; whereas Misiones and Catamarca produce darker ones. Even though half of Catamarca territory is used for honey production, it yield a wide diversity of honey characteristics related to different ecoregions and several microclimates, making honeys produced indistinguishable from those of the other two provinces studied. A Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) of a broader area for Catamarca province, as Catamarca and Yungas region will solve this problem. Sensory analysis allows making distinctions between phytogeographic regions, fundamentally due to their different flora. A certified PDO will provide honeys with an added value and allow them to access new markets with higher commercial value than standard quality ones.