Studies on the Physicochemical Characteristics of Winter Honey From the Region of Gadchiroli District, State of Maharashtra, India

Fifty-six samples from Apis dorsata and Apis florea were collected during winter (November to February) from different regions of Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra, India, and their physicochemical analyses were carried out according to Indian standard specifications. Different physicochemical parameters of the samples such as sugar content, the ratio of laevulose to dextrose or fructose to glucose, surface tension, viscosity and acidity percentage were analysed in this study. It was observed that glucose content ranged from 26.04% to 39.89% and fructose content ranged from 23.34% to 39.04%. The surface tension changed from 0.129 to 0.151 Nm-1. The physicochemical analysis shows that no substantial dissimilarity was observed in the properties of all the samples. This scientific study of honey from the region helps to understand its quality and purity. This study also provides a better understanding of the nature and properties of winter honey compared to summer honey.