This study presents a comparative analysis of Vietnamese rubber ( Hevea brasiliensis ) and melaleuca ( Melaleuca cajuputi ) honeys, focusing on their pollen composition, physicochemical parameters, and volatile compound profiles. Melissopalynological analysis confirmed that both samples are monofloral, with dominant pollen types exceeding 45%. Rubber honey had a higher total pollen count and a more limited variety of pollen types, while melaleuca honey showed greater pollen diversity. Good manufacturing practice and quality indicators, such as moisture content, free acidity, and electrical conductivity (EC), were generally consistent across the samples. The moisture content averaged approximately 20.3%, marginally exceeding the Codex standard for honey. The free acidity levels adhered to established standards, with rubber honey measuring 24.5 ± 3.0 meq/kg and melaleuca honey at 22.5 ± 5.9 meq/kg. EC was comparable between the samples, recording values of 49.1 and 49.0 mS/m, respectively, both below the specified threshold for nectar honey. Freshness markers indicated low levels of hydroxymethylfurfural, with rubber honey at 8.6 ± 9.0 mg/kg and melaleuca honey at 9.7 ± 13.9 mg/kg. Diastase activity was higher in rubber honey (20.3 ± 3.9) compared to melaleuca honey (13.5 ± 2.5). The color appeared varied, with melaleuca measuring 52.0 ± 18.1 mm and rubber measuring 82.3 ± 15.1 mm (Pfund). Analysis of volatile compounds indicated that melaleuca honey possesses a more intricate chemical and aromatic profile, with methyl salicylate, terpinen‐4‐ol, and linalool oxides exerting significant influence on the classification of melaleuca samples. Conversely, isophorone and its derivatives appear to significantly impact rubber honey positioning. These results highlight the importance of volatile profiling for honey authentication and quality assurance.
Nguyen et al. (Thu,) studied this question.