An overview of the palynology and physicochemistry of monofloral honeys from the Dry and Humid Chaco of Argentina

Abstract

This article is the first contribution to the characterization of monofloral honeys from the Dry and Humid Chaco that combines palynological and physicochemical parameters. The study focuses on the most represented honeys. Physicochemical parameters such as color, electrical conductivity, moisture, acidity and pH were analyzed for a total of 116 honeys classified as monofloral by pollen analysis. All the parameters considered were within the accepted range. Color and electrical conductivity were the most distinctive features, as stressed by multivariate (cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA)) and correlation analysis. The darkest honeys (i.e. black, dark amber and amber) were those from Tessaria integrifolia, Schinopsis balansae, S. lorentzii and Baccharis–Eupatorium-type pollen, and the lightest honeys (i.e. light amber and extra light amber) were those from Cynophalla retusa, Eugenia uniflora, Copernicia alba, Prosopis alba and Helianthus annuus. Mean values for electrical conductivity ranged from 0.4 to 0.8 mS cm−1, with the highest values detected in the darkest honeys, which are mainly produced in the Dry Chaco. The intense color of these honeys also suggests the presence of antioxidants. Thus, the color, electrical conductivity and antioxidant properties are important factors for future research to consider, to obtain a reliable authentication of the botanical and geographical features of these honeys.