Evaluation of physicochemical and quality properties of honeys from East Azarbaijan region

At the present study the quality and the physicochemical properties of the honey from east Azarbaijan markets were evaluated. In this study, 15 honey samples from Ahar, Tabriz and Kaleibar were collected randomly. At first the samples were transferred to the laboratory and preparation for tests such as solids content, moisture, pH, specific gravity, acidity, reducing sugars and non-reducing sugars (sucrose) and hydroxyl-methyl-furfural were performed. The results indicated that the moisture content for all samples are lower than world standards. Honey Samples from Ahar and Tabriz regions significantly had higher content of soluble solid compounds and specific gravity in compared to Kaleibar honey samples. The samples from Tabriz and Kaleibar significantly had high acidity and lower pH in compared to Ahar samples (P <0.05). Furthermore, all samples had desirable content of reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars (sucrose) and hydroxyl-methyl-furfural according to Codex and International Standards. The results of this study showed that the honey samples that were obtained from Tabriz, Kaleibar and Ahar regions have desirable quality characteristics according to national and international standards.