Physicochemical Parameters as a Tool for the Assessment of Origin of Honey

Abstract

Honey is a complex mixture of various substances, and its composition depends on both botanical and geographical origin, as well as anthropogenic factors. The accurate identification of honey origin guarantees the satisfaction of consumers' needs and has an impact on the honey market value. Physicochemical parameters, some of which are used in routine analysis of honey quality, could be useful for the assessment of its origin. In this review, special attention is paid to those studies that assessed the sugar and mineral composition of honey, whether they were investigated in terms of botanical or geographical origin, or for the characterization of honey type. The oligosaccharides present in honey and the electrical conductivity of honey correlate strongly with its botanical origin. Mineral content could be indicative for distinguishing honeys according to their botanical and geographical origins because it depends on both the soil composition and the floral type of melliferous plants. This review provides insight into the results obtained by various studies from approximately the last 10 years concerning the sugar profile and the mineral and trace element content of different types of honey. An attempt was made to statistically analyze the results regarding mineral and trace element content in order to identify indicators that could distinguish honey by origin.