engleski

Contribution to Characterization of Croatian Sage Honey and Quality Assessment

This study describes recent experience in characterization and quality assessment of Croatian sage (Salvia officinalis L.) honey produced on apiary locations of North West Croatia (narrow coastal strip of Kvarner bay and its’ islands). Based on previous experiences this area is considered as very suitable for the production of the good quality sage quality and, from the monofloral point of view, giving very pure samples of this honey type. Particular analytical parameters were taken into account in order to asses honey quality and set the basis for more detailed characterization. Eighteen representative sage honey samples have been studied, all produced on locations situated in the middle of sage dominated area during flowering period of 2009 executing prodigious nectar production at the time of flowering (early May to June). The research results presented, comprised selected physical and chemical parameters of honey quality. Special attention has been given to honey melissopalynological characteristics taking into account sage’s natural low production of pollen grains, representation of pollen particles of both nectariferous and non nectariferous plants in samples’ pollen profile, as well as eventual presence of honeydew indicators. Sensory properties of honey samples have been carefully analyzed in order to verify the botanical origin of sage honey samples and furthermore to contribute overall characterization of sage honey. Together with results of performed physical, chemical and melissopalynological analyses they have potential of setting useful basis for further research of Croatian sage honey quality as well as for its’ more comprehensive characterization.

Sage honey; Salvia officinalis L.; Croatia; characterization

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