Characterization of Black Locust (Robinia Pseudoacacia) honey from three geographical regions of north-west Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

The most important quality characteristics of honey are necessary to identify and track over time, in order to conduct its characterization and to qualify for protection of geographical origin. The aim of this study was to analyse the physicochemical characteristics of Black Locust (Robinia Pseudoacacia l.) honey collected from three climate ecological-vegetation geographical regions of North-West Bosnia and Herzegovina, which differ according to regional, geographic and climate factors and composition of soil. According to the place of honey production, collected samples were designated as GROUP (1) from North-West Bosnian region; GROUP (2) from Northern Bosnian region; GROUP (3) from West-Bosnian limestone-dolomite region and the physicochemical characteristics of honey were analysed. In the study we investigated and compared the nineteen physicochemical parameters (water content, ash, content of Zn, Cd, P, Fe, Cu, Mn, Mg, K, Na, refraction index, density, electrical conductivity, pH, free-acidity, total sugars, fructose, glucose and sucrose) in 39 samples of Black Locust honey from three geographical regions of North-West Bosnia and Herzegovina. A description of the Black Locust honey and its physical, chemical and sensory characteristics for the three defined geographical regions could be used in further work on protection of the honey geographical indications.