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Article
Publication date: 17 May 2013

Adela Moise, Alexandru Mărghitaş Liviu, Daniel Dezmirean and Otilia Bobis

The main purpose of this study is to create a complete physico‐chemical characterisation of Romanian heather honey.

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Abstract

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to create a complete physico‐chemical characterisation of Romanian heather honey.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 30 samples of heather honey were harvested from three different geographical areas (Fântânele, Călăţele, Mărişel) from Transylvania region (Romania). This study contains a complete characterization of heather honey regarding its physico‐chemical composition, total phenols content, flavonoids content, antioxidant activity (expressed as radical scavenging activity – RSA) and micro‐ and macroelements content.

Findings

The results obtained for the total phenols content and total flavonoids demonstrate that honey samples have good bioactive properties and the antioxidant activities are similar to those of dark honeys. Heather honeys normally have a high content of minerals, having their origin in soil. All quantified minerals in heather honey presented values higher that those reported for other types of honey.

Practical implications

Heather honey is a very important type of honey for consumers, which due to its features has a high price on the local market. This study provides the main analytical methods for honey quality determination, which is very important for the students.

Originality/value

For the first time in Romania a complete study of heather honey was done.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 43 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1987

Edgar Scott Lower

Factors involved in the transformation of nectar from flowering plants into honey have been the subject of study. Honey is said to have many beneficial properties and uses. The…

Abstract

Factors involved in the transformation of nectar from flowering plants into honey have been the subject of study. Honey is said to have many beneficial properties and uses. The methods of extracting and purifying it are described, with detail about its components and some of its chemical and physical properties. The effects of storage and methods of packaging are also outlined.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 89 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 March 2009

Jaganathan Saravana Kumar and Mahitosh Mandal

Characterization of honey gathered importance since it has been widely used in both medical and domestic needs. In this fast moving mechanical life, people are bound to buy…

Abstract

Purpose

Characterization of honey gathered importance since it has been widely used in both medical and domestic needs. In this fast moving mechanical life, people are bound to buy commercially available honey at markets. The purpose of this paper is to study the physical and thermal properties of such honey.

Design/methodology/approach

Four well‐known commercial honey samples in the Indian market were analyzed for their color, rheology and thermal properties.

Findings

Color of the samples varied from white to light amber according to United States Department of Agriculture method. Rheologies of the samples were studied between 10 and 30°C. Viscosities of samples varied from 1.31  to 96.7 Pa s according to the kind of honey and temperature of measurement. Controlled shear rate viscometry indicated the Newtonian behavior with a drop in viscosity as the temperature increases. Differential Scanning Calorimetry analysis indicated the inflection transition temperature (Tg) of the present investigation ranged between –51.40  and –30.64°C. Correlation between the Tg and the viscosity of the samples were significant.

Originality/value

There has been no report available on the Newtonian behavior of the commercial Indian honey samples. This paper will help the consumers to comprehend the standard of the honey sold in the Indian market. Distributors/manufacturers will also be aware of quality of honey, which will help further in the process development, transportation and storage.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 39 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 July 2023

Ceren Mutlu

The aim of this study was to produce an enriched honey powder with active compounds coming from bee pollen and investigate the effects of bee pollen addition as a carrier material…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to produce an enriched honey powder with active compounds coming from bee pollen and investigate the effects of bee pollen addition as a carrier material on honey powder.

Design/methodology/approach

The effects of bee pollen addition as carrier material in corporation with gum arabic at different ratios (25, 50 and 75% of total carrier material amount) on vacuum-dried honey-bee pollen powder were investigated.

Findings

The bee pollen concentration raise in the mixture increased the particle size, total phenolic, flavonoid and sugar contents and antioxidant activity, whereas decreased the Hauser ratio and Carr index values, hygroscopicity and solubility of enriched honey powder samples. The honey powder samples had passable and poor flow properties and very hygroscopic (>20%) structure because of the high sugar content. The phenolic and flavonoid contents of honey powder samples with bee pollen changed between 1531.59 and 3796.00 mg GAE/kg and 424.05–1203.10 mg QE/kg, respectively, and these values were much higher than the control sample. On the basis of linear correlation analysis, there was a very high positive correlation between total phenolic, flavonoid and antioxidant activity, while there was a very high negative correlation between these parameters and solubility.

Originality/value

The study evaluated that enriching of honey powders with pollen, which is a product of both plant and bee origin, rather than enriching with different plant and animal sources has an innovative approach. Additionally, the usage of bee pollen as a carrier agent in food drying has not been previously reported in any study.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 125 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 March 2019

Ömer Erturk, Sefine Kalın and Melek Çol Ayvaz

The purpose of this paper is to characterize monofloral and heterofloral honey samples (chestnut, lavandula, acacia and sunflower) from different regions of Turkey according to…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to characterize monofloral and heterofloral honey samples (chestnut, lavandula, acacia and sunflower) from different regions of Turkey according to their physicochemical (moisture content, acidity, ash, sucrose, reducing sugar and hydroxymethylfurfural content) and biochemical properties to compare regional and species differences that are thought to contain different types of plant sources.

Design/methodology/approach

Physicochemical investigations were performed according to AOAC methods. Mineral analysis and volatile analysis were performed by using atomic absorption spectrometry and GC–MS, respectively. Antimicrobial activities of honey samples were evaluated based on disc diffusion method and minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) values. The assays followed to determine total phenolic content and antioxidative and activities are spectrophotometric methods.

Findings

The obtained values of physicochemical parameters are among the values that can be accepted according to legal regulations. The most abundant mineral was potassium, which made up 81 per cent of the total mineral content, ranging between 165.7 and 301.6 mg/kg. A total of 87 different volatile components, some of which are highlighted in the literature to have antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, were detected. The maximum phenolic content, antioxidant activity against DPPH radical and ferric reducing ability were detected in the chestnut honeys. All tested honeys showed antimicrobial activity with MIC values between 6.25 and 50 µg/mL.

Originality/value

The present study has the feature of being a large study in terms of the region from where honey samples were selected and choice of analysis. The values obtained from physicochemical parameters reveal that the honeys from related region can be consumed with confidence. The biological properties found in honeys make them products of high added value and excellent quality.

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2003

Rasha Al‐Qassemi and R.K. Robinson

Apart from highlighting the overall nutritional value of honey, this review draws attention to the potential importance of the oligosaccharide content of honey. The possible role…

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Abstract

Apart from highlighting the overall nutritional value of honey, this review draws attention to the potential importance of the oligosaccharide content of honey. The possible role of these compounds as prebiotics is emphasised, for a number of them have been found to stimulate species of Bifidobacterium that inhabit the human colon. It is suggested that the therapeutic properties of the anti‐oxidants in honey could be equally relevant, and the desirability of the growing practice of adding royal jelly to retail products is discussed briefly.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 33 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1927

The Departmental Committee appointed in June, 1924, to inquire into the question as to whether and to what extent the practice of treating flour with chemical substances is…

Abstract

The Departmental Committee appointed in June, 1924, to inquire into the question as to whether and to what extent the practice of treating flour with chemical substances is objectionable on grounds of health and whether it is desirable that the practice should be prohibited or restricted, have issued their report. The Committee observe :—

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 29 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1977

The British countryman is a well‐known figure; his rugged, obstinate nature, unyielding and tough; his part in the development of the nation, its history, not confined to the…

Abstract

The British countryman is a well‐known figure; his rugged, obstinate nature, unyielding and tough; his part in the development of the nation, its history, not confined to the valley meadows and pastures and uplands, but nobly played in battles and campaigns of long ago. His “better half”—a term as true of yeoman stock as of any other—is less well known. She is as important a part of country life as her spouse; in some fields, her contribution has been even greater. He may grow the food, but she is the provider of meals, dishes, specialties, the innovating genius to whom most if not all British food products, mostly with regional names and now well‐placed in the advertising armentarium of massive food manufacturers, are due. A few of them are centuries old. Nor does she lack the business acumen of her man; hens, ducks, geese, their eggs, cut flowers, the produce of the kitchen garden, she may do a brisk trade in these at the gate or back door. The recent astronomical price of potatoes brought her a handsome bonus. If the basic needs of the French national dietary are due to the genius of the chef de cuisine, much of the British diet is due to that of the countrywoman.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 79 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1968

We can think of those with a cynical turn of mind who might consider not a little of the present output of the parliamentary machine as “harem scarem” law, but the indecent haste…

Abstract

We can think of those with a cynical turn of mind who might consider not a little of the present output of the parliamentary machine as “harem scarem” law, but the indecent haste, the freak urgency of some politically inspired laws apart, it is only too obvious that law is being made under rush conditions, and the reasons are not far to seek. A hectic, over‐active party executive, feverishly pushing ahead with its policies produces impossible working conditions for the parliamentary draftsmen. Law, whether it is statute or regulation, has never been more complex than it is today; time allowed for parliamentary debate is completely inadequate; too many and varied interests have to be taken into account, to say nothing of the vast range of delegated legislation. The urgency of some legislation is doubtful; it is difficult to see the need for all the hurry; a little more time in proper debate would prevent some of the loopholes which subsequently appear and render the law more comprehensible; incomprehensibility and justice are rarely compatible. As Diplock L J., said in the Court of Appeal in Rex. v. Industrial Injuries Commissioner ex parte Cable (1968) 1 A.E.R., 9, a few months ago—“Judges have been at their wits' end to know what some of the provisions mean. It would be a good thing if time could be found to remedy the blemishes.”

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 70 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2021

Raffaella Preti and Anna Maria Tarola

Urban beekeeping is spreading as an answer to promote bee conservation and to develop local economies. This study aims to highlight nutritional properties of polyfloral honeys

Abstract

Purpose

Urban beekeeping is spreading as an answer to promote bee conservation and to develop local economies. This study aims to highlight nutritional properties of polyfloral honeys produced in urban landscape and to compare them to the countryside counterparts.

Design/methodology/approach

This research has examined polyfloral urban honeys from a restricted area in Central Italy, for antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content and 15 polyphenols profile. Physicochemical parameters have been also determined to assess the overall quality of the samples. Results were compared with polyfloral honeys produced in surrounding countryside and monitored in two harvest years, 2018 and 2019. Principal component analysis was applied to the data to disclose significant differences among honeys and harvest years.

Findings

Urban honeys revealed up to threefold higher total amount of polyphenols with respect to rural honeys, and in the 2019 harvest, despite water scarcity that affected the national production, demonstrated 50% higher antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content. The majority of the 15 polyphenols studied resulted in more abundant urban honeys, in particular in the 2019 harvest. The multivariate analysis evidenced how honeys could be successfully separated according to their production area and harvest year by their different polyphenols profile.

Originality/value

Limited data are available on nutritional properties of urban honeys and on their content in antioxidants. The present results suggest that the cultivated urban environment, with its large floral biodiversity, can provide extra nutrition for bees, resulting in the production of a honey rich in nutraceutical compounds.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 123 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

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