Evaluation of the Color of Some Spanish Unifloral Honey Types as a Characterization Parameter

Abstract

Abstract The color of 7 types of Spanish unifloral honey from rosemary, orange blossom, lavender, eucalyptus, sunflower, heather, and honeydew was Investigated for Its potential use as a characterization parameter. Colors were estimated by visual comparison with a Lovlbond 1000 Instrument, the readings of which were transformed Into Pfund units. As an alternative method, the transmittances of liquid samples at selected wavelengths were measured, trlstlmulus values were calculated, and chromatic coordinates In the CIE-1931 (x,y,L) and CIE-1976 (L*a*b*) color spaces were determined. The correlation coefficient between x and the Pfund grading was 0.958, but visual comparisons proved to be less objective and precise than CIE parameters; yet, analysis by visual comparison can be used by unskilled dealers and beekeepers because of Its great simplicity. A stepwise discriminant analysis revealed that CIE-1976 (L*a*b*) coordinates yield an overall proportion of accurately classified samples slightly better than that afforded by CIE-1931 coordinates (76 vs 71%). However, rosemary and lavender honeys were more accurately classed by using the CIE-1931 system. The results show that color determinations make a useful tool for helping to classify honeys.