SENZORIAL AND PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERISATION OF HONEY FROM MUNTENIA ZONE, ROMANIA

Abstract

With a high nutritive value and healing properties, honey is a well known natural food product. Factors like floral source and climate condition influence the properties of honey. The study investigated sensorial and physicochemical characteristics of some honey samples collected directly from the beekeepers from Muntenia Zone, Romania. The colour, pH, moisture content, electrical conductivity, ash content, acidity and total sugar were evaluated. Moreover, these characteristics were compared with the International Standard of Codex Alimentarius. The results showed that all the honey samples had similar physico-chemical properties and respect the limits imposed by EU standards; in this way was proved that the honey from Muntenia Zone is a good quality honey. This standard could be sustained by regular training of local bee farmers in honey harvesting and storage.

Keywords

• honey
• sensorial indicators
• physic-chemical characteristics
• quality