The Physico-chemical Properties of Bee Honey Produced at Matrouh Governorate (Siwa Oasis, El-Alamein and Matrouh) as new reclaimed areas, Egypt

Abstract

The honey composition is mainly affected by botanical origin, the geographical factors, as well as beekeeping practice and storage conditions can also influence its quality. Four honey types were collected from different apiaries located in Matrouh Governorate, Egypt during seasons of the year 2020, depending on floral sources, Clover (Trifolium alexandrinum) from Matrouh, camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) and Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) from Siwa Oasis and multiflora from El Alamein City. The results of physical analysis of different kinds of honey showed that the specific gravity, in all honey samples were ranged between 1.3 - 1.44 and viscosity 48.1 - 69 (Pois). The Electrical conductivity (EC) values of samples ranged from 0.008 to 0.039%, the total soluble solids (TSS) percentage ranged between 81.5 to 82.5% and moisture contents ranged from (17.5 to 18.50%). The chemical characteristics of all honey samples tested were found to be acidic in nature, pH (3.01– 4.35). The glucose content of all analyzed samples of four varieties ranged from 31.8% to 33.17%, fructose values ranged between 39.19% and 41.23%, the percentage of sucrose varied from 3.36% to 4.57%, the concentration of maltose ranged between 2.37% and 6.0%. The present study concluded that; the quality and physico-chemical properties of honey were varied based on the geographical and botanical origins and fall within the limits of international standards.