Multivariate classification of honeys from Corrientes (Argentina) according to geographical origin based on physicochemical properties

Abstract

Honey is the natural sweet substance produced by Apis mellifera bees and is studied in different countries and zones because of the interest of consumers in origin and quality of food. The Corrientes Province (Argentina) produces and exports honey from different rural zones; therefore, the aim of this paper was to study the physico-chemical parameters of honeys using multivariate methods in order to classify honeys according to the geographical origin. Nine standard physico-chemical parameters were determined according to the international legislation. The results obtained were in agreement with international regulations. Then, the results obtained were analyzed by principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis applying forward selection. The chemometric analysis allowed grouping samples according to their geographical origin by using only five parameters.