Evaluation Of Quality Control Parameters Of Acacia Honey

Abstract

The objective of the current study was to investigate the quality assurance system parameters of Acacia honey in terms of its purity, genuineness and quality. The study has been carried out on two different batches (T₁ and T₂) of Acacia honey and the physicochemical investigations have been done to know their properties. Predominant parameters considered in this study were moisture content, total soluble solids (TSS), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF), acidity, Fiehe's test and pollen analysis. The water content varied from 18.9% to 20.5% and T2 presented slightly more stable as having lower water content. T₁ (Ȗ = 4.57±0.05) and T3 (Ȗ = 4.4±0.04) showed pH values of both samples at acceptable levels, with T₁ being more acidic in nature; acid pH is relatively preferred for honey conservation in storage. EC results of samples were used to represent differences in mineral content of samples, T₂ having higher conductivity. HMF values were acceptable; although they were slightly higher in T2, which might mean that they were exposed to heat. The monofloral nature and authenticity of the honey was validated by palynology (pollen analysis), which showed the presence of the primary pollen of Acacia for both samples. The Fiehe's test also revealed no adulteration, and confirmed the purity of the honey. This research confirms the excellent quality of Acacia honey and its suitability for consumption and also for export.