Physicochemical, carbohydrate, and ecological profiling of Iranian Sidr (Ziziphus spp.) honey: establishing baseline reference ranges for regional quality and authenticity assessment

Abstract Monofloral honeys, particularly Iranian Sidr honey, are highly valued for their unique sensory and medicinal properties; however, they are also prone to fraud. To address this issue, it is essential to create reference databases documenting the physicochemical and pollinological profiles of these honeys. This study analyzed Sidr honey samples from various regions in Iran to document their physicochemical and pollinological characteristics and to understand how ecological factors impact these properties. The analysis of 25 honey samples revealed that pollen from Ziziphus spp. was predominant, indicating a consistent botanical origin. A significant relationship was found between sugar composition, pH levels, and environmental factors, all of which considerably affect honey quality. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that the first two components explained 50.6% of the total variance, highlighting distinct differences in physicochemical and ecological traits. In the first principal component (PCA1), strong positive correlations were identified among erlose, sucrose, pH, rainfall, and altitude. The second component indicated positive relationships between diastatic activity, phenolic compounds, moisture content, and the fructose-to-glucose ratio. Both PCA and hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that honey samples from the same counties did not cluster together, suggesting that environmental factors create unique physicochemical profiles, influencing both the quantity and quality of honey. These findings could enhance the authenticity and quality control of Iranian Sidr honey, improving its commercial value, competitiveness in international markets, and potential for grading.