Physico-chemical characteristics of honeys from Beira Alta

Abstract

The Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) may represent commercially a product with added value, and a way to differentiate the Portuguese honey in national and international terms. Therefore it is important to know the physico-chemical and palynological characteristics, in order to prove this differentiation.

This work is part of a physicochemical and palynological characterization project (results not shown) of honey, in order to contribute to a PDO certification of honey from Beira Alta. Honey samples produced in 2014 by the members of the Association of Beekeapers in Beira Alta (AABA) region, in 2014 were collected. Honey samples in a number of 27, which represent Beira Alta region according to the number of epidemiological units within each county, were studied. Each parameter were analyzed in triplicate, according to Portuguese standards or with the AOAC official methods. The results obtained for each parameter vary in the following range pH 3,4 – 4,3; conductivity 0,29 – 0,82 mS/cm; acidity 15 – 67 meq/kg; moisture 17,5 – 19,7% and total soluble solids content 80,4 - 82,5 g/100g. With these first results we expect to contribute to a broader characterization of beekeeping in Beira Alta region and of the honey produced in this region.