Characterization of Some Algerian Honeys Belonging to Different Botanical Origins Based on their Physicochemical Properties

For hundreds of years, people have used honey, and still are using it, as a natural sweetener and for its multiple health benefits. The quality of honey may be altered by several factors among which processing, storage conditions and falsification. The present study focusses mainly on the characterization of the physicochemical properties of nineteen Algerian honeys belonging to different localities and botanical origins in order to determine their quality and to detect any adulteration. For this purpose, water content, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural content, sugars content, pH, acidity, electrical conductivity and diastase activity were measured. Results indicate that all samples are in compliance with the values set by international standards for all the analysed parameters. In addition, relevant correlations were observed between the different analysed physicochemical properties of the selected honey samples from a part, and with bioclimate of geographical origins from another part. Besides, based on the examined physicochemical parameters, it appears that Z. lotus and Carduus sp. honey samples are characterized by high acidity and sucrose content while Eucalyptus sp. and multifloral honey samples are characterized by an elevated electrical conductivity, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural content and diastase activity. However, Citrus sp . honey samples are characterized mainly by higher content of glucose and fructose and equivalent humidity percentage. Overall, such physicochemical properties could be regarded as useful criterion for honey classification.