Characterization of the honey produced in heather communities (NW Spain)

Abstract

The heathers communities constitute a very interesting habitat for the conservation of the biodiversity and even for honey production. This honey is very appreciated for its sensory qualities and for coming from a natural barely intervened habitat. This article provides information about the characteristics of 40 honey samples obtained in two subtypes of European dry heaths of the NW of the Iberian Peninsula (Mediterranean and Atlantic heaths). Melissopalynological and physicochemical parameters including moisture, pH, hydroxymethylfurfural, diastase activity, color, phenols and flavonoids content, antioxidant activity, mineral (K, Ca, Fe, Mg, Na, P, Zn, and Cu), and sugar (fructose, glucose, sucrose, melezitose, trehalose, and maltose) composition were studied. The samples had a common fingerprint as their Erica pollen content, high electrical conductivity, high mineral content, high phenol content, and the amber to dark amber color, but some significant differences were found between samples produced in Mediterranean dry heaths in relation to those produced in Atlantic heaths.