Characterization of Algerian honeys by palynological and physico-chemical methods

Sixty-six Algerian honeys were sampled for investigation on their palynological and physicochemical properties. Results showed that the total number of pollen grains in 10 g honey ranged from 2.1 x 10(3) to 1.12 x 10(6). In total 124 pollen species were identified and the main pollen forms were Eucalyptus spp., Olea europaea, Papaver rhoeas, Pimpinella anisum, Carduus sp. and Hedysarum coronarium. Unifloral eucalypt honeys could be distinguished from other honeys from the western Mediterranean region by the presence of P. rhoeas and Centaurea species. Physico-chemical analyses included moisture content, pH, electrical conductivity, diastase, invertase, HMF and 11 sugars. Of these parameters the electrical conductivity was somewhat elevated compared to European honeys, sucrose content was below 4.3% and only small amounts of di- and trisaccharides were present. In general the samples were found to meet the requirements of the international honey standards.