Physicochemical Properties of Honey Samples in Some Selected Regions of Ogun State Nigeria

Abstract

Honey is a tasty and sweet food that honey bees produce from plant nectar and honeydew. The physicochemical properties of honey samples were investigated in Ogun State, Nigeria. Honey samples were collected from beekeepers in the four (4) markets in different regions in Ogun State (Remo, Ijebu,Yewa and Egba). The physicochemical parameters were investigated using standard procedures. The parameters investigated were: color, p^H, total acidity, free acidity, electrical conductivity, sugar content, mineral content, moisture and ash content. The results of the physicochemical analysis indicated that the p^H total acidity, electrical conductivity of all the samples differs significantly (P<0.05). The sugar content of the honey samples from other regions differs significantly (P<0.05) with the Remo region exhibiting the highest mean value (85.829%) followed by honey sample of the Yewa region (84.63%) and the least was from Egba region (76.87%). From the present study, it can be concluded that honey sample from Egba region recorded the highest pH (6.36), highest electrical conductivity (0.85), honey sample from Ijebu region recorded the highest free acidity (21.99) while honey sample from Yewa region recorded highest total acidity (33.71). It was observed that the honey samples from the four regions agree with the requirements of international honey standards.