Bio-chemical analysis of honey made by three, Apis florea, Apis mellifera and Apis dorsata’s honeybee species from Punjab region
Abstract
A comparative study on the physico-chemical parameters of honey formed via Apis florea, A.mellifera and Apis dorsata honeybees from Punjab region was conducted. Nearly 90 honey samples was gathered from different areas such as Chakwal, Kalar Kahar and Murree. The major flora in these localities were Acacia, Zizipus Jojoba, Eucalyptus spp, Mulberry, Neem, Sheesham and Citrus. Internationally recommended procedure by Honey Commission was undertaken to analyze honey. Water content were away from the maximum limit in almost all samples of honey from A.dorsata, whereas, remaining honeys has water % within International limits. Regardless of honeybee species pH was acidic and proline content (above 400mg/kg) measured in all honeys. Lowest average EC (0.10±0.727mS/cm) and free acidity (12.56±3.226) was found in A.florea honey samples comparative to other species. HMF content and Diastases activity in all honeys were within codex limits. However, A.dorsata had extremely high invertase number. The existing research established that A. florea, A. mellifera and A. dorsata honeys presented several quality parameters well within International Honey Standards, except water content (exceed the limit of 21%) and A. dorsata invertase number may possibly be used as distinguishing factor to identify honey based on honeybee species.
Keywords: A. dorsata; A. florea; Analysis of honey; Bio-chemical
