Physical, physicochemical and nutritional profile of honey produced in nine localities in Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

Honey is a syrupy substance produced by bees, highly rich in monosaccharides (glucose, fructose), which give it a sweet flavor. In Côte d’Ivoire, there is very little information on the honey that is produced. The current work is to our knowledge the first of its kind. Its main objective is to assess the quality of the honey produced in nine localities in Côte d'Ivoire in terms of their physicochemical composition. All of the physicochemical characteristics (refractive index, total acidity, pH, viscosity, electrical conductivity and diastase index were within the limits established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The moisture content did not exceed 19.4%, which would indicate that the honey samples have long-term storage capacity and resistance to fermentation. The results were also distinguished by a high sugar content (78.60 - 83.80% of dry matter of honey), mentioning their maturity and nutritional value. In addition, the sucrose content was between 2.14 and 7.61%. Honey's total acidity index found between 7.50 and 24.20 meq/kg, is a proof of their bactericidal activity. The low HMF content (< 60 mg/kg) of most of samples taken reflects their good technological treatment and good quality. The content of fat (0.41 to 0.78 mg/100g) and protein (0.88 to 3.50%) certifies their acceptable nutritional qualities, with a significant energy value (from 396.39 to 402.70 kcal/100g of honey). Thus, the honey collected on Ivorian territory actually meets the requirements of the standards proposed by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.

Keywords: Natural honey, physical parameters, physicochemical characteristics, nutritional properties, Côte d'Ivoire.