BUSINESS & “INDUSTRY 4.0”
Determination of the Origin and Quality of Honey through Pollen and Physicochemical Analysis
- 1 University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, Sofia, Bulgaria
- 2 University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, Sofia, Bulgaria; Institute of Electronics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
Abstract
Honey is a valuable natural product with a complex composition, shaped by the botanical and geographical origin of nectar sources as well as the environmental conditions of the collection area. To ensure the authenticity, quality, and safety of honey, various analytical methods are applied, among which pollen and physicochemical analyses are of particular importance.
In this study, a pollen analysis was performed to determine the floral origin of the honey, alongside the measurement of electrical conductivity as an indicator of mineral content, acidity, and sugar composition. Samples were prepared by dissolving in distilled water and centrifugation, followed by the preparation of microscopic slides for pollen grain identification. The resulting data allowed the classification of honey as either monofloral or polyfloral, and identification of the predominant plant species in the collection area.
The combined approach of pollen and physicochemical analysis provides a reliable and scientifically grounded assessment of honey origin and quality, supporting product control, certification, and authenticity verification.
Keywords
References
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