Assessment of quality characteristics of Saudi honeys: Distinctive and rare types

The present study aimed to determine the quality of twelve Saudi honey samples by examining various physico-chemical characteristics. These characteristics included total dissolved solids (TDS), total soluble solids (TSS), moisture content (MC), pH level, free acidity (FA), electrical conductivity (EC), hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), and diastase activity (DN). The honey samples’ physicochemical characteristics ranged throughout the following values: TDS ranged from 180±1.15 to 920±0.88 ppm; TSS ranged from 82.3±0.03 to 84.9±0.07 %; MC ranged from between 15.1±0.07% and 18±0.03%; pH levels varied from 3.1±0.03 to 7±0.00; FA ranged from 24±0.33 to 77±0.88 meq/kg; EC varied between 0.19±0.00 and 1.27±0.01 mS/cm; HMF ranged from 1±0.33 to 41±0.33 mg/kg; and DN spanned from 8±0.07 to 23±0.33. The results show that the physicochemical characteristics of the samples met both national and international standards except for free acidity. Notably, locally obtained Acacia spp. nectar honey exhibited naturally elevated FA values, exceeding the standard limit (≤50 meq/kg). This study highlights the quality of local Saudi honeys and underscores the importance of nurturing the production of rare honeys that possess high quality and health benefits in Saudi Arabia.