Trace and minor elements in bee honeys produced in Syria

Eleven minerals (K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, and Sr) in 31 honey samples, including 24 Syrian, three imported and four honeys produced from bees fed with sugar were quantified using a dry ashing method for X-ray fluorescence analysis. The search for natural groups in the honey samples was carried out by cluster analysis, using complete linkage and Euclidean distance. The Syrian and imported samples clustered into three honey groups: 1) poor in element concentrations (citrus honey); 2) rich in minor and trace element concentrations (wild plants and jujube honeys); and 3) moderate mineral concentrations (multiflora, eucalyptus, crataegus, and sunflower honeys). Results are discussed in terms of the mineral concentrations in Syrian honeys and in comparison with international values.