Abstract
In this study, the qualities of 15 red pine honey samples from different parts of the Mugla province in Turkey were evaluated. Important chemical parameters such as degrees Brix, pH, moisture, ash, electrical conductivity, free acidity, proteins, diastase activity, hydroxymethylfurfurale, total reducing sugar, reducing sugar, sucrose, the five common physical parameters refractive index, density, water activity, dynamic viscosity and color index (L-star, a(star) and b(star)), and mineral compositions, including potassium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, manganese, nickel, aluminum, boron, molybdenum, and chromium, were determined. Pine honey samples also were analyzed for total phenolic contents and antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activities were evaluated based on the ability of the pine honey extracts to scavenge 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl. Significant correlations were obtained between the antioxidant activity and phenolic content (r = 0.887). All samples indicated proper maturity, considering the high soluble solids. The values for ash and electrical conductivity were high (0.24- 0.60% and 878-1463 mu S/cm, respectively). The concentration of 14 minerals of red pine honeys were determined by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry. All samples contained high amounts of potassium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, iron, magnesium, aluminum, nickel, and zinc. Within the mineral contents, potassium was quantitatively the most important mineral, having an average content of 3,802 ppm, and accounted for 45% the minerals.