Quality Assessment and Bioactive Component Analysis of Honey from Different Geographical Regions in Erzurum, Türkiye

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest on foods that are perceived to be healthy and functional among societies. The composition of honey, which plays an important role in human nutrition, is influenced by a number of factors. The aim of this study was to analyze fifteen different honey samples according to various quality criteria and to determine their 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and phenolic components. In this context, honey samples were obtained from five distinct geographical regions within the Erzurum city area in Türkiye. There were statistically significant (P<0.05) differences in the pH, moisture, total sugar, reducing sugar, sucrose, proline, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and phenolic content values among the honey samples. HMF contents of samples varied between 5.20 and 108.12 mg/kg, and their phenolic contents ranged from non-detected to 202.95 mg/kg. While the HMF contents of honey samples were in accordance with the Turkish Food Codex Honey Communiqué (Communiqué No: 2020/7), with the exception of only one sample in terms of its proline and HMF contents.