Contribution to the palynological, physicochemical and organoleptic characterization of Mulinum spinosum de Patagonia, Argentina

• Published in: Interciencia Vol. 38; no. 7; p. 528
• Main Authors: Aloisi, Pia V, Forcone, Alicia E, Amadei, Marisa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Interciencia Association 01.07.2013
• Subjects: Argentina
• ISSN: 0378-1844

The market demand for beekeeping products differentiated by origin and the interest to increase their commercial value have led to studies to determine the botanical and geographical origins of honeys from different regions. The aim of this work was to contribute to the knowledge of unifloral honeys. Honey samples classified as unifloral from Mulinum spinosum (Cav.) Pers. produced in the most southern apicultural area of the Argentinean Patagonia, have been analyzed for various physicochemical parameters (water content, pH, free acidity, diastase activity, electrical conductivity, ashes, hydroxymethyl-furfural, sugar composition, polyphenol content and color) and evaluated from the organoleptic point of view. M. spinosum honey showed predominantly extra light amber and light amber color tones and sweet flavor. All the samples presented moderate pollinic richness, corresponding to Group II and III of the Maurizio classification, with a relative frequency of M. spinosum pollen ranging from 52 to 87%. From the physicochemical point of view this honey was characterized by low values of moisture, hydroxymethylfurfural and free acidity. The monosaccharides glucose and fructose were the main sugar and small amounts of di- and tri-saccharides were also present. The studied honeys were found to meet the requirements of international honey standards and the results contribute to the knowledge of unifloral honeys produced in Argentina and the world.