PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND PROXIMATE ANALYSIS OF HONEY SAMPLES FROM SELECTED FARMS AND MARKETS IN EDO STATE.

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the quality of honey samples obtained from farms and surrounding markets in Benin City, Ekpoma, and Okada in Edo State. Physicochemical properties and proximate analysis of these samples were carried out using standard methods, and the results were compared with Codex Alimentarius Commission and European Union Council Directive. The ranges of the various parameters are 3.42-3.87 for pH, 27-83.7meq/kg for free acidity, 16.03%-26.8% for moisture content, 71-82% for Brix, 0.24-1.44% for ash content. These parameters are within the acceptable standards. FA (Farm samples) and MB (Market samples). Some of the samples exceeded the standard value, FA3 had the highest value for free acidity (83.7), MB1 had the highest moisture content value (26.8%), and MB5 had the highest ash content value (1.44%). These are higher than the acceptable values. MB3 had the best acceptable value for ash content (0.24%), MB2 and MB3 had the best value for moisture content (16.03%) and (16.4%) respectively. The fibre content after analysis gave no visible result, which indicates that all unavailable carbohydrates are regarded as dietary fibre. The fat content were relatively low, MB2 at 0.06% and FA5 at 0.22% except for MB5 at 4.47%. Total carbohydrate ranged from 70.66% in MB1 to 82.58% in MB2. These samples according to CAC are best suitable for human consumption.