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Preliminary characterization of alder buckthorn (Frangula alnus Mill.) unifloral honey

The most important honey types in terms of both abundance and commercial value have been described in detail in the literature. However, some rare unifloral honeys can be found sporadically across the Europe and there is a general lack of analytical data describing their properties. One of them is alder buckthorn (Frangula alnus Mill.) which can be found in France, Estonia and Croatia (more often in the last decade). The aim of this study was to characterize alder buckthorn honey by means of selected physico-chemical, melissopalynological and sensory profiling. The study was carried out on 15 alder buckthorn honey samples collected from the north-western part of Croatia during two production seasons. Physico-chemical analyses (water content, electrical conductivity, pH value) were conducted in accordance with Harmonized methods of the International Honey Commission (IHC, 2009). Qualitative melissopalynological analysis was performed according to the method by Von der Ohe (2004). The results have revealed an average water content of 17.1 % (16.0-19.0%), electrical conductivity of analysed samples ranged from 0.83 to 1.17 mS/cm, while pH value ranged from 4.21 to 4.48. Melisopalynological analysis revealed frequent appearance of sweet chestnut pollen along with the pollen of alder buckthorn. However, mentioned presence of sweet chestnut was a consequence of secondary enrichment, as confirmed by sensory analysis. Also, pollen of Lotus corniculatus gr., Tilia spp., Cornus sanguinea, Centaurea spp. and Asteraceae plants were also found. After excluding pollen from nectarless plant species and contaminant plants (C. sativa), the share of alder buckthorn pollen ranged from 52 to 81%. Sensory analysis revealed unique sensory profile of alder buckthorn honey characterized by pastel amber (cognac-like) color, vegetal (green) odour and aroma, and medium to strong acidity. The characteristic of alder buckthorn honey is reflected in high electrical conductivity values (1.00 mS/cm in average). Therefore, alder buckthorn should be included in the list of exceptions of unifloral honeys with electrical conductivity above 0.80 mS/cm. This preliminary study should be complemented by additional physico-chemical characterization of alder buckthorn unifloral honey.

alder buckthorn (Frangula alnus Mill.) unifloral honey ; physico-chemical parameters ; melissopalynological analysis ; sensory profile

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