COMPARISON OF THE CROATIAN AND MACEDONIAN HONEYDEW HONEY

Abstract

The aim of this research was to compare physicochemical characteristics of honeydew honeys originating from Croatia and Macedonia. 11 samples of Macedonian and 17 samples of Croatian honeydew honey were collected during the harvest season 2005 and 2006, respectively. All collected samples were subjected to the melissopalynological analysis, and afterwards physicochemical characteristics were determined. In comparison with Croatian samples, the samples of Macedonian honeydew honey show statistically significant higher electrical conductivity, prolin content, free and total acidity, glucose and sucrose, as well as fructose and glucose content (F + G), and lower specific rotation, almost negative values. Croatian samples have higher content of maltose (with celobiose and trehalose) and raffinose, until melezitose (with erlose) content in both sample groups is low.

Keywords

• honeydew honey
• physicochemical characteristics
• melissopalynological analysis