CARACTERÍSTICAS FÍSICO-QUÍMICAS DE MEL PRODUZIDO EM LIMOEIRO DO NORTE DURANTE O ARMAZENAMENTO

Abstract

Honey samples produced in Limoeiro do Norte, state of Ceará, were stored during 180 days in two types of container, plastic and metallic, and its characteristics were monitored during the storage period by means of moisture content, HMF, reducers sugars, apparent sucrose, ash, free acidity, insoluble solids in water, diastatic activity, pH and oBrix. Moisture and free acidity have been determined matching the methodology recommended by AOAC. HMF, reducers sugars and apparent sucrose have been determined by LANARA methodology. Ash, insoluble solids in water have been determined according to CAC. The experimental data were appraised through factorial analysis 2 x 7 (two packings and seven times of storage 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 days). The analyses of the stored samples lead to the conclusion that the physical chemical variables have matched the standards established by the effective legislation, except for HMF, which after 180 days of storage revealed values superior to those demanded by the brazilian legislation for both types of containers. The plastic container provided a better conservation of the honey as for the HMF content.