Biochemical composition of honeys produced in Turkey

SUMMARYThe biochemical properties of 50 honey samples produced in the Hatay region of Turkey were determined. Analyses were appropriate to the honey standards TSE (Institute of Turkish Standards) and CODEX. The characterizations were as follows: average mineral content (0.32%), moisture (16.03%), acidity (40.41 meq kg−1), hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) (10.71 mg kg−1), diastase (10.31 number), invert sugar (57.83%), pH (4.12), proteins (0.76%), sucrose (2.39%), and electrical conductivity (0.69 mS/cm). Except for invert sugar content, the honey from Hatay region meets the quality standards of TSE, CODEX and European Union, even if there are some differences among counties in the region. These quality disparities may be addressed by developing targeted beekeeper education programmes to improve honey harvesting, processing and storing practices.