Measurement of some physical properties of Libyan honey

Abstract EN

Twelve honey samples of ziziphus spina, thyme and multiflora types, were collected from a beekeeper from Zawia city (west of Libya).

In this study, some physicochemical properties of the twelve honey samples were measured such as moisture content, specific gravity, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, pH value, and free acidity.

The results indicated that the quality of Libyan honey samples was corresponding to the international standards.

The average value of moisture content of the ziziphus spina honey was 9+0.7%, thyme honey 9.38+0.8 % and multiflora honey 10.73+1 %, the low moisture content protect honey from fermentation.

The specific gravity ranged from 1.341 to 1.423 for all tested honey samples, which was inversely proportional to moisture content.

The electrical conductivity of all honey samples was found within the international limits, with a maximum of 442-6 mS/cm, while total dissolved solids varied from 202 to 300 ppm.

The pH ranged between 3.5 to 5.6, while the free acidity was between 10 to 20 meq / kg.

According to the International legislation of honey; the examined honey samples have high quality and purity and are worth international specifications.