Comparative Analysis of Chemical Properties and Quality Indicators of Honey from Diverse Regions in the Kashmir Valley, India

Abstract

Evaluation of Chemical Properties of Honey from the Kashmir Valley” aimed to assess the chemical properties of various honey types (Robinia pseudoacacia, Multiflora, Plectranthusrogusus) across five districts in the Kashmir Valley. The research was Conducted at the Honey Purity Testing Laboratory within the Research and Training Centre for Pollinators, Pollinizers, and Pollination Management (RTCPPPM), Division of Entomology, SKUAST-K, Shalimar, during 2021-22, the investigation analyzed parameters including reducing sugars, soluble solid content (SSC), total solids (TS), hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), ash content, and pH using OP Stat software. Statistical analysis revealed significant (P<0.05) variations in chemical properties based on honey type and district. Robinia pseudoacacia honey from Pulwama exhibited the highest reducing sugar content ((83.65%) while Multiflora honey from Kupwara had the lowest (62.88%). Sucrose levels were highest in Plectranthus rogusus (8.74%) honey from Pulwama and lowest in Multiflora honey from Kupwara (4%). Plectranthu srogusus honey from Kupwara demonstrated the highest SSC (81.37 ˚Brix), whereas Robinia pseudoacacia honey from Anantnag showed the lowest (78.12 ˚Brix). Plectranthusrogusus honey from Anantnag had the highest TS (82.05 %), while Robinia pseudoacacia honey from Srinagar had the lowest (78.79 %). HMF was highest in Multiflora honey (40.73 mg/kg) from Anantnag and lowest in Plectranthusrogusus honey (0.29 mg/kg) from Pulwama. The highest ash content was observed in multiflora honey (0.14%) from Bandipora and the lowest in Robinia pseudoacacia honey (0.08%) from Anantnag. All samples exhibited acidic pH values, with the highest pH (4.28) recorded in Multiflora honey from Kupwara and the lowest in Plectranthusrogusus honey (3.61) from Bandipora.