Quality Assessment of Some Nigerian Branded Honey

Abstract

Three branded honey samples purchased from different supermarkets in Ekiti State, Southwest Nigeria were analyzed for their pollen contents and some physicochemical attributes. The pollen composition of the three branded honey investigated revealed important honeybee plants such as Launea sp., Hymenocardia acida, Alchornea cordifolia, Phyllantus sp., Danellia oliveri and the family members of Fabaceae, Myrtaceae and Combretaceae. The result of the proximate compositions revealed low moisture content, crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, and high carbohydrate and energy content while the physiochemical parameters revealed that the specific gravity, pH, total acidity, HydroxyMethyl Furfural (HMF) and total sugar agreed with the international standard. Generally, the result showed that the three honey samples were rich in floral pollen types and equally removed doubt or suspicion on their acclaimed geographical origin. Also, the physicochemical results of the three branded honey samples prove that they are of good quality and are all suitable for human use.