Journal of Food Science
C: FOOD CHEMISTRY

Physicochemical Characterization and Antioxidant Activity of Commercial Portuguese Honeys

Smail Aazza

Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, IBB‐Centro de Biotecnologia Vegetal, Univ. do Algarve, Edif. 8, Campus de Gambelas, 8005‐139 Faro, Portugal

Laboratory of Physiology, Pharmacology and Environmental Health, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mehraz, Univ. Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah, BP 1796 Atlas, Fez 30 000 Morocco

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Badiaa Lyoussi

Laboratory of Physiology, Pharmacology and Environmental Health, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mehraz, Univ. Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah, BP 1796 Atlas, Fez 30 000 Morocco

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Dulce Antunes

Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, IBB‐Centro de Biotecnologia Vegetal, Univ. do Algarve, Edif. 8, Campus de Gambelas, 8005‐139 Faro, Portugal

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Maria Graça Miguel

Corresponding Author

Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, IBB‐Centro de Biotecnologia Vegetal, Univ. do Algarve, Edif. 8, Campus de Gambelas, 8005‐139 Faro, Portugal

Direct inquiries to author Miguel (E‐mail:

mgmiguel@ualg.pt

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First published: 19 August 2013
Cited by: 1
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Abstract

The present study evaluated the physicochemical characteristics and antioxidant activity of 13 commercial honeys from diverse floral origin, produced in Portugal. The values of electrical conductivity of cardoon and pennyroyal honeys were superior to the maximum limits defined by European legislation. Citrus, strawberry tree, and 1 sample of lavender honeys had values of diastase activity below those determined by European legislation. Strawberry tree, pennyroyal, and cardoon honeys had the highest amounts of potassium that coincided with the highest electrical conductivity. Strawberry tree honey was the most effective as antioxidant along with cardoon and heather honeys. This ability was strongly correlated with the amounts of phenols and flavonoids and not with the levels of vitamin C or proline.

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