PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND MINERAL COMPOSITION OF HONEY (Apis mellifera) FROM NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA
Main Article Content
Abstract
This study evaluated the nutritional quality and potential adulteration of six honey samples obtained from Benue and Kogi States by analyzing their moisture content, ash content, fat content, protein content, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), free acidity, pH, polyphenol content, heavy metals, and mineral composition. Standard analytical methods were used for evaluation. The pH values of the samples ranged from 3.95 to 4.30, with free acidity between 2.72±0.10 and 57.40±0.81 meq/kg. The ranges of values of the other tested parameters in the samples are as follows: moisture content (8.35±0.33 to 10.34±0.02%), ash content (0.19±0.01 to 0.86±0.01%), fat content (0.00±0.00 to 0.54±0.03%), protein content (0.28±0.01 to 0.56±0.02%), polyphenol content (3.75±0.72 to 90.12±0.07%) and HMF (16.13±2.62 to 66.77±6.78 mg/kg). Cadmium and Lead were not detected. The mineral concentrations were as follows: sodium (1.80±0.06 to 9.75±0.14 mg/100 g), potassium (12.89±0.03 to 27.62±0.02 mg/100 g), calcium (3.55±0.20 to 9.50±0.23 mg/100 g), magnesium (2.00±0.06 to 7.60±0.17 mg/100 g), and zinc (2.15±0.09 to 4.10±0.06 mg/100 g). The nutritional quality of these honey samples is supported by their high carbohydrate content, metabolizable energy, low crude fat content, and significant levels of essential minerals, which make them suitable for use in various food products.
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Ikegbunam, N. C., Okwong, J. W., & Anukwuorji, A. C. (2025). PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND MINERAL COMPOSITION OF HONEY (Apis mellifera) FROM NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA. The Bioscientist Journal, 13(1), 34-46. https://doi.org/10.54117/the_bioscientist.v13i1.183
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
References
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Escuredo, O., Miguez, M., Fernandez-Gonzalez, M. and Seijo, C. (2013). Nutritional value and antioxidant activity of honeys produced in a European Atlantic area. Food Chemistry, 138: 851 - 856.
Esien, B. C., Atukpa, M. E., Anwana, E. D., Oni, A. S. and Fatoyinbo, S. O. (2022). A Palynological study of honey samples from four Localities in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. International Journal of Innovative Biosciences Research, 10 (3):1-14.
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Getachew, A., Gizaw, H., Assefa, D. and Tajebe, Z. (2014). Physicochemical properties of honey produced in Masha, Esha, and Sheko districts in Southwestern Ethiopia. Current Research in Agricultural Sciences, 1 (4): 110 - 116.
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Ige, O. E. and Modupe, O. T. (2010). Pollen characterisation of honey samples from North Central Nigeria. Journal of Biological Sciences, 10: 43 - 47.
Iglesias, A., Fe_as, X., Rodrigues, S. (2012). Comprehensive study of honey with protected denomination of origin and contribution to the enhancement of legal specifications. Molecules, 17: 856 - 857.
Ikegbunam, N. C., Nweze, N. O., Walter, O.J., Njokuocha, R. C. and Agwu, C. O. C. (2022). Melissopalynological characterization of honey samples from Southeastern, Nigeria. Turkish Journal of Agriculture, Food Science and Technology, 10 (2): 203-210.
Ikegbunam, NC; Walter, JO; Osayi, EE; Njokuocha, RC; Ezeadim, MI; Nweze, NO. (2023). Melıssopalynologıcal study of ApısmellıferaL. honey sourced from different localities in the mıddle belt of Nigeria. Bio-Res. 21(1): 1845-1858.
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Kadri, M.S., Zaluski, R. and Orsi, R. (2017). Nutritional and mineral contents of honey extracted by centrifugation and pressed processes. Food Chemistry, 218: 237 –241.
Kambai, C., Popoola, V., Ubge, D. J., Janfa, N. and Ukanyirioha, C. (2015). Proximate and mineral elements composition of honey from selected hives in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria. Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology and Food Technology, 9(9): 94 – 98.
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Kaur R, Nagpal KA, Katnoria JK. (2015). Amino acids composition of pollen grains of some medicinally important plant species. J. Chem. Pharm. Res., 7(10): 122 – 127.
Kavapurayil, J.B., Karalam. S. and Chandran, R.P. (2014) Analysis of physicochemical, biochemical, and antibacterial properties of indian honey samples with special reference to their non-conformity. Acta Alimentaria, 43 (1): 9–18.
Kayode, J. and Oyeyemi, S. D. (2014). Physicochemical investigation of honey samples from bee farmers in Ekiti State, Southwest Nigeria. Journal of Plant Sciences, 2 (5): 246 - 249.
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