The Physical and Chemical Properties of Bee Honey Produced in North Sinai Governorate, Egypt

Abstract

Four types of honey were collected from two apiaries in North Sinai Governorate, Egypt, during the 2021 seasons. The honey was obtained from different floral sources, including Citrus (Citrus sp.) in Rafeh region and Algae (Salvia officinalis), Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), and Tarot (Zygophyllum L.) in El-Arish region. The plant species were determined by examining the pollen grains present in the honey under a microscope. The proximate analysis of the honey samples obtained from various locations in North Sinai, Egypt, showed that there were no significant differences in moisture, fructose, maltose, (fructose + glucose), reducing sugar, F/G, and G/W. However, there were significant differences (P<0.05) in glucose, sucrose, pH, free acidity, lactone, and total acidity among the honey
samples. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the quality parameters of all the honey samples studied meet the standards set by international honey regulations. The study also found that the quality and physicochemical properties of the honey samples varied depending on their geographical and botanical origins.