Geographical origin authentication of honey produced in the region of Rtanj Mountain (Serbia)

Abstract

This paper represents the melissopalynological analysis, physicochemical characteristics (moisture, pH, electrical conductivity, free acidity, glucose, fructose, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), and colour parameters), polyphenol profile, and sensory properties of Rtanj honey samples (76) harvested during 2019–2021 from different locations in the Rtanj Mountain region (eastern Serbia) with the aim to 1) characterise this meadow honey and 2) obtain markers for its differentiating within the geographical origin protection. The melissopalynological analysis of Rtanj honey revealed many types of pollen, of which the most important belong to the Rosaceae family, especially the Sorbus group. A relatively low value of the colour parameter L* (22.7 ± 0.19–59.8 ± 1.75), the positive a* value of 1.55 ± 0.07–22.3 ± 1.36, and a high content of K (996 ± 376 mg/kg) can be used as markers for its geographical origin authentication, which was confirmed using principal component analysis (PCA). The phenolic profile was evaluated based on the quantification of epicatechin (0.077 ± 0.005 mg/kg), p-coumaric acid (0.316 ± 0.004 mg/kg), ferulic acid (0.524 ± 0.002 mg/kg), naringenin (3.386 ± 0.011 mg/kg), luteolin (0.022 ± 0.006 mg/kg), kaempferol (0.628 ± 0.010 mg/kg), and apigenin (0.120 ± 0.002 mg/kg) using high performance liquid chromatography. The colour of Rtanj honey samples varied from extra white to light amber.