Quality Characteristics of Acacia Bee Pollen and the Correlation between Parameters

This study examined the effects of hot air drying (HAD) at 30 °C, 40 °C, 50 °C, and 80 °C, as well as freeze-drying (FD), on the physicochemical (crude protein, fat, fiber, ash, pH, acidity, total soluble solid content (TSS), reduced sugar, chromaticity, browning index, morphology), phytochemical content (ABTS, DPPH free radical scavenging activities, total polyphenol, total flavonoid) and mineral contents of Acacia bee pollen. All of the samples were done in triplicate, and data were analyzed by using ANOVA and correlation analysis. Sample dried at 80 °C resulted in the highest antioxidant activities, with total polyphenols (2638.10 mg GAE/100 g d.m.), flavonoids (689.63 mg CE/100 g d.m.), DPPH scavenging (1.53 mmol TEAC/100 g d.m.), and ABTS scavenging (6.66 mmol TEAC/100 g d.m.). Physicochemical properties, including chromaticity and crude protein (15.55%–17.74%), were significantly influenced (p < 0.05), with higher drying temperatures enhancing protein concentration as moisture decreased. Crude fat (2.65%–5.64%), crude fiber (1.61%–2.48%), and crude ash (1.77%–2.15%) also showed minor variations. Mineral analysis revealed abundant potassium (352.52–431.26 mg/100 g d.m.), phosphorus (380.62–501.98 mg/100 g d.m.), and sulfur (141.27–178.39 mg/100 g d.m.), with positive correlations between drying temperature and mineral retention. The color of the sample also reflects the quality of the bee pollen. The higher the temperature, the higher the L* and b* values, and the lower the a* value. FD showed better potential in maintaining the color of the sample, with L* value of 46.05, a* value of 9.70, and b* value of 16.33. On the other hand, samples dried at 80 °C exhibited the highest in browning index (2157.82). These findings highlight the impact of drying methods on Acacia bee pollen to preserve nutrition, bioactive compounds, and visual qualities of bee pollen.