Evaluation of the Floral Diversity and Physicochemical Composition of Honey Procured from some Markets in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

The identification of different plant species in honey is vital as they contribute towards the composition of honey and helps to verify honey authenticity. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the pollen content and physicochemical composition of honey from different markets (Okpuno Market, Eke Awka, Ifite Market, Eke Nibo and Nkwo Amaenyi) in Anambra State, Nigeria using standard methods.  The best recorded values for the tested parameters were; conductivity (0.39±0.03%) in Okpuno sample,  pH ( 2.80± 0.2) in Nkwo Amaenyi Sample, moisture content (10.32±0.03%) in Okpuno sample, ash (0.46±.02%) in Ifite market sample, protein (1.31±0.03%) in Ifite sample, fat (0.16±0.03%) in Eke-Awka sample, polyphenol (8.1±0.25%) in Eke-Awka sample, free acidity (28.93±0.25 meq kg-1) in Nkwo Amaenyi sample, HMF (5.75±0.03 mg/kg) in Nkwo Amaenyi sample, Sucrose (7±1 mg/100g) in Eke-Awka sample, reducing sugar (62.16±0.5%) in Okpuno sample etc. Microscopic examination revealed 37,590 pollen grains, dominated by Phyllanthus amarus, Elaeis guineensis, Combretaceae/Melastomataceae, Lannea sp., and Parinari excelsa. The most dominant families of plants present in the samples were Fabaceae, Phyllanthaceae, Arecaceae, Rubiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Sapindaceae and Anacardiaceae. All the samples were identified as multifloral honey, derived from the nectar of various plant species, with no single species being predominant. The wide variety of pollen types indicates that honeybees travel long distances for nectar and other food sources, indicating authenticity and good quality honey. The sugar assays revealed that all honey samples did not contained the appropriate amount of sugar for acceptable quality honey. However, most measured parameters met international standards, indicating safe human consumption.