PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF HONEY AVAILABLE IN BANGLADESH

Abstract

This study was intended to characterize the physical, biochemical and microbiological properties of honey available in Bangladesh. The samples were analyzed regarding their physicochemical properties in terms of moisture, total solids, ash, electrical conductivity, pH, acidity, total phenolics, flavonoids, DPPH radical scavenging activity, proline, color intensity, sugar profile and microbial aspects viz. total viable count and yeasts and molds count. Results of analyzed sample showed that moisture content and total solids content varied between 19.44-38.96% and 61.04-80.55%. The total acidity (below 40 meq/kg) indicated the absence of undesirable fermentation; also, the mean pH (3.94-5.14) is usual in this kind of honey. The values for ash and electrical conductivity were medium (0.07- 0.28% and 134.95-591.23 µS/cm, respectively), typical of dark amber honeys. The analyzed honey samples contained a considerable amount of minerals (Ca, Mg, K, Na, P, S and Zn). Reducing sugars, glucose, fructose and sucrose values range between 61.25- 82.47%, 28.34-38.14%, 30.61-41.58%, and 4.21-20.69%, respectively. Total phenolics (45.28-89.90mgGAE/100g), total flavonoids (14.97-86.32 mg CE/100g), DPPH-RSA (25.50-53.09% inhibition), and proline (82.23-210.53 mg/kg), were in the range of 9 approved limits (conforming to EU legislation). Microbial study revealed that total viable count range between 19.01-10.33 cfu/g, while yeasts and mold count varied between 7.33-10.33 cfu/g. Overall, the findings indicate an important information regarding the physical, biochemical and microbiological quality of honey available in Bangladesh.