Evaluaciones químico-físicas y de actividad antioxidante de dos mieles procedentes de la provincia El Oro

The purpose of this work is to evaluate physical-chemical, chemical and biological properties of honeys, from two different geographical environments, through methods recommended in the literature, to determine their quality, and similarities and differences between them. The following were determined: color, humidity percentage, refractive index, relative density, Brix degrees, inverted sugar percentage, pH, conductivity and ashes. The results allowed to determinate that the values were within the ranges established according to the regulations reported for honey, with discrete differences between the samples. Minerals, phenolic compounds and flavonoids were quantified. The main minerals detected were: potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium. All the determinations were developed from methods recommended in the literature. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated using DPPH-TEAC and FRAP-TEAC methods and the DPPH sequestration kinetics were established. It was determined that the sample from Zaruma showed a higher content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids and a higher antioxidant capacity in both studies. Both samples were classified as fast kinetic antioxidants. The studies carried out made it possible to establish differences and similarities in some of the parameters studied and to recognize the quality of both samples under study.