Physico-Chemical and Melissopalynological Characterization of Czech Honey

Abstract

Geographical and botanical origin of honeys can be characterized on the basis of physico-chemical composition, sensory properties and on the basis of melissopalynological analysis. No comprehensive description of the characteristics of Czech honey has been published so far. This study provides insights that are important for correct classification. The study analysed 317 samples of authentic honey from randomly selected localities. Due to the diversity of the landscape, the typical honey of the region is blend honey with a predominance of blossom honey. According to the pollen profile and electric conductivity, the honeys were sorted into the following: Brassica honey (BH), Floral honey (FH), Fruit tree honey (PH), Honeydew (HD), Lime tree honey (LH), Robinia pseudoacacia honey (RH), and Trifolium honey (TH). Physico-chemical properties, including higher carbohydrates, were determined for the honeys and their pollen profiles were examined. The physico-chemical properties and pollen profile are partially in compliance with the description of European monofloral honeys, except for RH and TH. Although they had the highest proportion of acacia pollen, amounting to >10% of all the Czech honeys, these RH honeys differ from the European standard, so they cannot be considered acacia honey. Further, PH honeys and FH polyfloral honeys were described. Most honeys contained a significant proportion of rapeseed pollen, which is one of the common agricultural crops grown in the Czech Republic. All the analysed honeys met the parameters defined by the legislation. Due to direct on-site sampling, honeys were characterized by a low 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF) content (3.0 mg/kg) and high diastase activity (24.4 DN). Honeydew honeys had the highest proportion of higher carbohydrates, primarily of Melezitose (4.8 g/100 g) and Trehalose (1.3 g/100 g). The presence of higher carbohydrates was also confirmed in LH for Maltose (4.6 g/100 g) and Turanose (2.4 g/100 g).