Quality evaluation of four honey types collected from Upper Egypt governorates

Abstract

: Thirty four honey samples were collected from four governorates in Upper Egypt region to evaluate their quality standards. The samples represented four honey types, fennel, clover, sesame and multi-floral honey. Total soluble solids (TSS), water content (%), refractive index (RI), PH values and HMF content were assessed for evaluating honey samples. The present results indicated that there are no clear differences among (TSS) and water content (%) means of different honey types. There were relative difference among honey types in PH and HMF content. The PH values ranged between 3.38 and 4.57. The HMF values ranged between 4.48 and 7.68 mg/kg. The highest HMF content was recorded in poly floral honey and the lowest one was recorded in clover honey. The present data confirmed that characteristics of honey samples were related to their floral sources and season of extraction. It could be stated that all honey types collected from Upper Egypt governorates were accepted by quality control of Egyptian honey specification and also by European council directive.