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Physical and chemical properties of Apis mellifera L. hone

This study aimed at verifying the physical and chemical properties of 24 samples of honey produced by 13 beekeeper associations from Southern Tocantins State, Brazil. The following analyses were performed: pH, titatrable acidity, refractive index, moisture, ash, specific weight, hydroxymetilfurfural (qualitative probe), formol index, Lund reaction, and inverted sugar. All analyses were performed in triplicates, and the statistical analysis comprised mean, standard deviation, factor analysis, and cluster analysis. The samples presented a failure index of 50% regarding the legislation standards. The considerable variation of results can be due to the different honey floral origins and the failure to meet the standards established by national legislation may be due to the exposition of the honey to inappropriate conditions of temperature and humidity during the honey beekeeping, processing, or storage.

honey; Apis mellifera; characterization; cluster analysis


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