Physiochochemical Properties of Honey Produced in Gozamen District, East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region

Abstract

The research is financed by Ethiopian Meat and Dairy Industry Development Institute and SNV-ASPIRE Project

Abstract

The study was conducted in Gozamen District, East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, from September 2017 to July 2018 to determine honey quality produced in the area.The effects of Agro-ecological Zones (location) and hive type on honey quality in the study area were assessed.Questionnaires for the survey, laboratory analysis for honey quality were employed. A total of 120 beekeepers (118 males and 2 females) and 25 honey traders (18 males & 7 females) were interviewed for the survey. A total of 22 honey samples (18 samples from six kebeles representing the three beehive types across the three agro-ecologies and 4 samples from market points) were collected and analyzed at Holleta Bee Research Center and Bless Agri Food Laboratory Services PLC .The survey data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. The honey quality analysis indicated that the overall mean value of moisture content (17.22±1.56), glucose (17.22±1.56), sucrose (26.96±4.94), pH (4.28±0.26) and acidity (29.322± 0.2) were significantly different among different locations at (P<0.05).Similarly,the mean values glucose ,sucrose ,ash and water-insoluble solids were significantly different at (P<0.05)between the three types of hives.The honey samples collected from honey traders were with high sucrose level(10.18%) confirming the adulteration of honey with sugar syrups.As a result; inspection, control, and regulatory measures are indispensable tasks to improve the honey quality in the study area.

Keywords: Gozamen, Physicochemical properties

DOI: 10.7176/FSQM/94-06

Publication date: February 29^th 2020