Assessing The Physicochemical Composition And Wide Diversity Of Pollen In Honey Samples Procured From Some Markets In Umudim Local Government Area Of Anambra State

Özet

A range of honey varieties can be found in Nigerian markets. In the present study, a comprehensive analysis of four honey samples collected from various locations (Eke Osu, Afor Eziama, Eke Amichi and Nkwo-Igbo) in Umudim Local Government Area of Anambra State was carried out with the aim of evaluating the wide diversity of pollen and physicochemical composition of the honey samples using standard methods. A total of forty six (46) distinct pollen types in 22 plant families were recorded.  Inclusively, the varying percentage counts of the entire samples were: 650 (22.26%) in Eke osu, 825 (28.25%) in Afor Eziama, 755 (25.86%) in Eke Amichi and 690 (23.63%) in Nkwo Igbo. The frequency class highlighted the presence of pollen types such as Allophylus africanus, Lannea acida, Piliostigma sp.  and Elaeis guinensis, which were classified as secondary types. The results of the physicochemical composition showed that the samples had pH values ranging from 4.00 - 5.00, moisture (7.60% - 8.21%), ash (0.09% - 1.20%), protein (1.36% - 1.98%), fat (1.05% - 1.43%), polyphenol (60.73% - 84.48%); free acidity (46.00 - 59.00 meq kg-1) and HMF (46.60 – 54.40 mg/kg). Sugar composition analysis showed that the recorded values of fructose and glucose were: Eke osu (57.00±1.73 Mg/100g), Afor Eziama (50.00±0.58 Mg/100g), Eke Amichi (49.00±0.11 Mg/100g) and Nkwo Igbo (53.00±0.33 Mg/100g) for fructose; Eke Osu (43.00±1.15 Mg/100g), Afor Eziama (44.00±0.58 Mg/100g), Eke Amichi (39.00±0.81 Mg/100g) and Nkwo Igbo (49.00±0.42 Mg/100g) for glucose. Higher values were recorded for sucrose. The results demonstrated that most of the parameters aligned with recommended standard of quality honey. Hence, they are good for human consumption.