Physicochemical characterisation of honey produced in the Chaco province (Argentina) ; Caracterización físico-química de las mieles producidas en la provincia del Chaco (Argentina)

The aim of this study was to analyze the physico-chemical properties of honey produced in the province of Chaco, as a contribution to the characterization of these honeys. Color, moisture, electrical conductivity, total acidity and pH in a total of 189 honey samples were analyzed. Diastase content was determined in 64 samples and hydroxymethylfurfural activity was tested in 16 samples. Samples were extracted by centrifuging during three consecutive beekeeping season: 2005- 2006, 2006- 2007 and 2007-2008. The physicochemical parameters were found to be within acceptable ranges (color: 22-150 mm Pfund, moisture: 15.4-20%, total acidity: 8-68 meq kg−1, pH: 3.2-6.4, EC: 0.189-1.347 mS cm−1, diastase: 10-30% and HMF: 2.3 - 24.5). Physicochemical properties studied adjust to normal parameters and the obtained values meet all major international specifications for commerce. Positive significant relationships were found between color and conductivity, moisture and acidity, conductivity with acidity and pH, and moisture with acidity. Negative significant relationships were found between pH with moisture and acidity. ANOVA shows significant differences in color, electrical conductivity, moisture, and pH between honeys produced in agricultural areas where crops predominate and honeys produced in less disrupted areas where native forests prevail. ; El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar las propiedades físico-químicas de las mieles producidas en la provincia del Chaco, como aporte a la caracterización de las mismas. Fueron analizados el color, humedad, conductividad eléctrica, acidez total y pH en 189 muestras de miel. La actividad diastásica se determinó en 64 muestras y HMF en 16 muestras. Las muestras se extrajeron por centrifugación durante tres temporadas apícolas: 2005-2006, 2006-2007 y 2007-2008. Los parámetros fisicoquímicos están dentro de los rangos aceptables (color: 22-150 mm Pfund, humedad: 15,4-20%, acidez total: 8-68 meq kg- 1, pH: 3,2-6,4, CE: 0,189- 1,347 mScm1, actividad diastásica: 10-30 %, ...