Applicability of physico-chemical parameters of honey for identification of the botanical origin

Background. Efforts are being made to apply physicochemical parameters analysis in the identifi cation of varietal honeys. With many variables describing a given population, it is feasible to differentiate between basing on principal component analysis (PCA). The aim of this study was to investigate selected physicochemical quality characteristics of nectar honey, with particular emphasis paid to carbohydrate composition, and to determine its applicability in identifying the variety of fl oral honey. Material and methods. The experimental materials were samples of commercial honey available at retail in Krakow in 2005-2007 period. The following analyses were performed: water content by the refractometric method, sugars content according to Luff-Schoorl, content of sugars using HPLC, electrical conductivity, specifi c rotation, and acidity of honey. Results. Application of HPL C allowed the precise qualitative identifi cation of sugars, which was impossible to be determined by Luff-Schoorl method. The obtained results were analysed using principal component analysis (PCA). Conclusions. Based on the obtained results and performing the statistical analysis, it was found that the relationship between specifi c rotation and the total acidity can be used to distinguish buckwheat honeys from other analysed varieties. Moreover, it was demonstrated that the relationship between the specifi c rotation and maltose content can be used to distinguish between acacia honeys vs. buckwheat and lime honeys.