Impact of physicochemical parameters, pollen grains, and phenolic compounds on the correct geographical differentiation of fir honeys produced in Greece as assessed by multivariate analyses

ABSTRACT

In the present study, the effect of different parameters on the correct geographical differentiation of Greek fir honey was investigated. Forty-three honey samples were collected from four regions and subjected to physicochemical and melissopalynological analyses, using official and instrumental methods. Results showed that fir honeys met the European regulatory quality standards, whereas significant differences (p < 0.05) were recorded for all the determined parameters according to geographical origin. The highest differentiation rate (81.4%) was recorded using the combination of six physicochemical parameters and five phenolic compounds, as assessed by multivariate analyses.

KEYWORDS:

• Fir honey differentiation
• Geographical origin
• Multivariate analyses
• Phenolic compounds
• Physicochemical parameters
• Pollen content

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to Attiki Honey S.A., Athens, Greece, for the donation of fir honey samples from Evritania (Karditsa and Karpenisi) and to professional beekeepers from Messinia (G. Sentementes, E. Ntokos, P. Lagios), Lakonia (P. Sotiralis, D. Heliotis), and Karditsa (K. Mallios) for the donation of fir honey samples.

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