| dc.description.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. | en_US |
