DefinePK

Abstract

Honey is renowned for its remarkable health benefits, which vary in quality and composition depending on the floral source of the nectar. The objectives of this study were to assess the physico-chemical and nutritional variations in export-quality honey samples in Pakistan, using standard analytical methods. The moisture content ranged from 7.91 ± 0.03% to 21.40 ± 0.51%, while water-insoluble matter varied from 0.005 ± 1.00% to 0.58 ± 0.10%. Ash content ranged from 0.03 ± 1.00% to 1.35 ± 0.01%, with the highest levels observed in samples S22 (1.35 ± 0.01%) and S13 (1.20 ± 0.01%), and the lowest in S34 (0.03 ± 1.00%). Free acidity ranged from 3.67 ± 0.57 to 33.60 ± 0.32 mEq/kg, with sample S58 showed the highest value and S29 the lowest. Reducing sugar content exceeded 70% in most samples, while sucrose content remained below 5%. Diastase activity ranged between 2.00 and 42.85 DN/g, and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content ranged from 1.44 to 139.50 mg/kg. Of the 61 samples tested, eight were positive and 53 were negative for the Fiehe’s test. Crude protein content ranged from 0.01 ± 0.00% to 1.43 ± 0.05%, with S8 showing the highest level, and S19 and S36 the lowest. Total carbohydrate content ranged from 12.25 ± 0.62% to 89.76 ± 0.25%, with the highest in S22 and the lowest in S61. These findings provide valuable insights into the nutritional and quality parameters of Pakistani honey, supporting its use in therapeutic applications.