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COMPARISONS REGARDING THE QUALITY INDICATORS OF SOME SAMPLES OF POLYFLORAL BEE HONEY TAKEN FROM BEEKEEPERS IN CARAS - SEVERIN COUNTY, ROMANIA
Abstract
Honey is rich in glucose and fructose, making it a quick source of energy. Honey has antimicrobial properties, can help digestion, has a probiotic effect, can soothe digestive irritations, is often used as a natural remedy for coughs and sore throats, having a soothing and antibacterial effect, contains antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals in the body. Polyfloral honey is produced by bees from the nectar of several species of flowers, hence the name "polyflora". The physicochemical analyses carried out in the case of the ten samples of polyfloral honey showed values of the quality indicators framed in the following ranges: hydroxymethyl-furfural (HMF) (2.3mg/100g -2.7mg/100g); diastasis index (a. Gote) (17.9 - 29.4); invert sugar (78.45% - 83.49%); sucrose (2.84% - 3.79%); humidity (16% - 19.6%); proteins (0.35% - 0.72%); energy value (1339.6 Kj/100g - 1426.13 Kj/100g). All the results obtained from the physicochemical analyses carried out for the ten samples of polyfloral honey were compared with the values presented in the literature, European legislation and Romanian standards on beekeeping products. The quality indicators obtained did not exceed the limits provided by the rules and legislation in force. Multivariate statistical data analysis (PCA) performed clearly separates honey based on processing and freshness. PC1 differentiates aged/processed honey (A-C) from fresh natural honey (1-10). PC2 reflects moisture and preservation of enzymes, with honey D and 7-10 exhibiting optimal quality characteristics. This suggests that HMF, inverted sugars, and diastase activity are the most discriminating markers of honey quality in this dataset.
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