Physicochemical Characterization of Organic Honeys Harvested in the North West Algerian Area

Background: Consumers have become aware that the industrial methods of honey production have greatly affected the environment and product quality. Today, they want a reorientation of these production modes to obtain healthy and natural organic products. Objective: This study is conducted to evaluate, for the first time in Algeria, the physicochemical composition of organic honey’s harvest in the organic- North West Algerian area. Methods: Twenty-four samples of organic honey were harvested according to the organic beekeeping rules, by selected volunteer beekeepers in organic regions and hives, and then, they were extracted by the traditional method. Physicochemical parameters, such as pH, free acidity, density, electrical conductivity, diastase activity, carbohydrates, hydroxyl methyl furfural (HMF), water content, ash, color intensity and specific optical rotation were evaluated. Results: Mean values obtained for physicochemical parameters were: pH as 3-4.8, electrical conductivity as 0.123-1.180 mS/cm, free acid as 8-30 mEq/kg, diastase activity as 8.02-40.54 (Shade units), carbohydrates as 60.21-77.07%, sucrose as 1.04-8.97%, HMF quality as 4.67-27.63 mg/kg, water content as 14.2-19.0%, ash as 0.09-0.86%, color intensity ABS450 as 288-1467 mAU, color intensity (Pfund scale) as 0.30-137.34 mm and specific optical rotation at (-16.1)-(-3.8). The analysis indicated that organic honey samples grown in selected sites of our local area are of good quality. All of the obtained values were within the limits imposed by the present legislation (Codex Alimentarius). Conclusion: Analyzed honey samples are characterized as biological products of excellent quality with interesting nutritional properties.