Evaluation of some physicochemical properties of honey from Northern and Southern Guinea Savanah Zones of Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

Honey is a naturally occurring sweet material made by honeybees from plant nectar and honeydew. Different regions might produce honey with varying qualities due to differences in floral, climate, and management practices. Evaluating honey from both zones ensures that it meets quality standards and adheres to safety regulations. The study was conducted to assess the bioactive properties of honey from Niger State’s Southern and Northern Guinea Savannah Zones, Nigeria. Purposive sampling was used to gather the honey samples from the two ecological zones because we understood where to get samples. Samples were collected from nine Local Governments. The parameters assessed were pH, sugar concentration, and hydroxymethylfurfural content. The results show a pH range of 3.75–5.37, sugar 1.58–2.70%, hydroxymethylfurfural 20.20–29.96 mg/100g, and total reducing sugar of 72.15-84.73%. The pH, sugar content, and hydroxymethylfurfural were significantly different (p>0.05) between the Northern and Southern Guinea Savannah samples. Similar variations in pH and total reducing sugar were noted in honey samples that had been processed, retailed, and unprocessed. The honey's quality was deemed acceptable, falling within the internationally recognized standard (CODEX, 2019) of (pH 3-3.5, HMF less than 40, sucrose 5 and TRS greater than 60) based on the characteristics that were examined.