Uruguayan honey from different regions, characterization and origin markers

Abstract

Uruguay produces and exports honey. Honey is appreciated worldwide and has been well studied in terms of its chemical composition. These studies help determine botanical origin and prevent fraud. However, Uruguay exports honey without differentiating; the diversity of soils and vegetation in the country allows different types of honey production. Therefore, the aim of this work was to characterize honey from four regions of the country including three protected areas. The samples were collected during one year in two stations and electrical conductivity, humidity, sugar profile, macrominerals (K, Ca, Na and Mg) and pollen content were analyzed. The quality of the studied environments was evaluated by determining the presence of glyphosate. Results from this study confirm significant differences among the analyzed honeys from the different regions (Tukey-Kramer, p <0.05). Most of the measured values were within world ranges. However, some samples with high conductivity (> 0.8 mS / cm) associated with high mineral content were found. 37 different pollen taxa (family, genus or species) were detected. Some samples are monofloral (main pollen> 45%) of cultivated species (Lotus sp and Trifolium repens) or native species (Parkinsonia aculeata, Lithraea brasiliensis, Myrcianthes sp and Tripodanthus acutifo-lius). Calcium and sodium are suggested as markers of geographic origin. Mannose is suggested as a marker of botanical origin. The detection of glyphosate appears associated with agricultural activities even in protected areas. Uruguay produces different honeys that can be marketed indicating origin. More regions should be studied and for longer periods. estava dentro de faixas mundiais. No entanto, algumas amostras com alta condutividade (> 0,8 mS / cm) associadas a alto teor de minerais foram encontradas. 37 taxa de pólen diferentes (família, gênero ou espécie) foram detectados. Algumas amostras são monoflorais (pólen principal> 45%) de espécies cultivadas (Lotus sp e Trifolium repens) ou espécies nativas, Parkinsonia aculeata, Lithraea brasiliensis, Myrcianthes sp e Tripodanthus acutifolius). O cálcio e o sódio são sugeridos como marcadores de origem geográfica. A manose é sugerida como um marcador de origem botânica. A detecção do glifosato aparece associada às atividades agrícolas mesmo em áreas protegidas. O Uruguai produz diferentes méis que podem ser comercializados com indicação de origem. Mais regiões devem ser estu-dadas e por mais tempo.