EVALUATION OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF HONEY IN ERER ZONE, SOMALI REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

This study was conducted to evaluate the physicochemical properties of honey in Erer zone, Somali regional state. Thirty honey samples were analyzed for physicochemical properties. Honey samples were analyzed following the techniques proposed by the Quality and Standards Authority of Ethiopia (QSAE), European Union (EU), and Codex standards for honey. The physicochemical attributes evaluated were moisture content, ash, pH, acidity, hydroxyl methyl furfural (HMF), reducing sugars, and sucrose. The results obtained showed that overall average moisture content, ash, pH, acidity, HMF, reducing sugars, and sucrose were 18.42%, 0.23%, 4.07, 28.51 meq/kg, 23.46 mg/kg, 67.74 & 4.68, respectively, and there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in ash content, pH, and acidity between the two study locations. However, significant differences (P<0.05) in moisture content, HMF, reducing sugars, and sucrose were observed. In conclusion, the study indicates that the honey quality parameters examined in the two study locations meet both national and international standards, affirming that honey production in the Erer zone, Somali regional state, adheres to established quality criteria. Consequently, it is suggested that comprehensive investigations be conducted throughout the entire supply chain. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of conducting additional research on the nutritional and medicinal aspects of honey to facilitate accurate and targeted standardization processes.