Physicochemical evaluation to assess the quality of honey samples marketed in Oman

Abstract

The study aimes to investigate the physicochemical properties of seven honey samples to assess their quality as per GCC Standardization Organization (GSO) and international standard parameters. Seven honey samples, four marketed honey samples, and three locally produced Omani honey were collected and analysed for the pH, acidic content, % of insoluble matter, moisture content, proline, hydroxyl methyl furfural (HMF) and total reducing sugar contents. The results showed that pH of the tested honey samples are within the limit however acidity of the three samples did not comply with the prescribed limits. The moisture, proline, and hydroxy methyl furfural (HMF) contents of the honey samples tested are found to be within the acceptable range. However, the % of insoluble matter expressed for locally produced Sidr, Sumer, and Zah’r honey samples was below the maximum limit (0.5%) while marketed honey samples exceeded the limits of GSO (0.1%). The total reducing sugar concentration was below the limit in terms of four samples. Most of the tested honey samples meet the International/GSO standards for quality while a few failed to comply with acidity limits, the total reducing sugars content, and % of insoluble matter.