Physicochemical attributes of honey as a measure of enhanced beekeeping in the Bois River Valley, Brazil

ABSTRACT The Local Production Arrangement (LPA) of beekeeping in the Bois River Valley in Goiás is at an initial stage of development and requires initiatives that would contribute to its development. The Goiás state has favorable conditions for beekeeping, and, therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the quality of honey produced from different floral sources in the Bois River Valley Beekeeping LPA. Physicochemical analyses were, therefore, conducted to determine the moisture, water-insoluble solids, reducing sugars, apparent sucrose, total soluble solids, acidity, pH, diastatic activity, hydroxymethylfurfural, and color attributes of this honey. The determined values of these attributes were compared to the values recommended by the Technical Regulation of Identity and Quality of Honey (TRIQH). The results revealed significant correlations, especially between moisture and total soluble solids (r = -1.00), acidity and absorbance (r = 0.91), minerals and pH (r = 0.79), and reducing sugars and absorbance (r = -0.72). In general, the honey samples exhibited satisfactory quality, with the values of just a few samples being different from the limits established by the legislation. These results highlighted the importance of using Good Beekeeping Practices by those involved in the beekeeping production chain and honey commercialization. This initiative would contribute to strengthening the beekeeping LPA in the Bois River Valley by improving the quality of honey, ensuring higher income for beekeepers, and strengthening the regional economy.