Physicochemical analysis and sugar profiling of Acacia honey

• Published in: Malaysian Journal of Microscopy
• Main Author: Mohamed A.S.; Abdah M.A.; Ramasamy K.; Hasan M.H.; Aida Hamimi I.; Zolkapli E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Microscopy Society of Malaysia 2018
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85064769018&partnerID=40&md5=66f310099ee4187c7f94390c2c31b26f

Acacia honey has been traditionally consumed for its nutritional and medicinal values. This study was conducted to investigate the quality of Malaysian Acacia honey obtained from a beekeeper in Johor. Pollen analysis of the honey was subjected to scanning electron microscope (SEM). Free acidity, pH, electric conductivity, sugars, HMF, ash, moisture and antioxidant content of the honey were also determined. Pollen analysis shows the presences of Robinia pseudoacacia and an unidentified pollen. Based on the pollen frequency classes, Acacia honey is classified as uni-floral honey. The physicochemical data obtained in this study was within the Codex Alimentarius Standards. Apart from that, Acacia honey has high total phenolic (92.04 ± 0.439 mg GAE/kg of honey) but low flavonoid (27.83 ± 2.855 mg QE/kg of honey) contents that responsible for its own sweetness and aroma. In addition, DPPH and FRAP percentage of the samples were concentration dependent. In conclusion, the results of physicochemical analysis of Malaysian uni-floral Acacia honey indicated purity and good quality that meet the standards of natural honey. This study provides additional information for Malaysian honey standard. © Malaysian Journal of Microscopy (2018).