The Antioxidant Activity of Monofloral Honey and Its Awareness Among Urban Consumers in Slovakia

Abstract

The main objective of this paper was to determine antioxidant activity in various types of monofloral honey produced in Slovakia and to identify consumer behaviour and awareness of biological activity of honey among urban consumers. Research is based on primary data obtained by conducting analytical research (DPPH and TPC) involving 37 samples of monofloral honey and consumer research (n =1940 Slovak honey consumers living in urban areas). Results showed that the highest antioxidant activity was detected in buckwheat honey and honeydew honey, while the lowest was indicated in acacia honey. Consumer research showed that 57.5% of respondents are aware of antioxidant activity in honey and 12,9% indicated that they are not aware of any biological activity. Urban consumers tend to consume honey few times per month or week. Higher annual consumption is typical for consumers older than 42 years. The most preferred honey is acacia honey followed by honeydew and linden honey. The majority of respondents seeks on the honey label information about honey type, producer and origin while the information about nutrition or additional information (website, social media etc.) are not so important.