Pseudoacacia Honey of Hungarian and Slovak Origin: Selected Quality Parameters and Antioxidant Capacity

The pseudoacacia species (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) are flowering plants that produce nectar and can be the sources of unifloral honey. Robinia is native to North America and is invasive in several European countries. The aim of this work was to determine and compare the physicochemical parameters, proline content, and antioxidant capacity of pseudoacacia honey collected from different locations in two central European countries (Hungary and Slovakia). The botanical origin of each honey sample was verified by melissopalynological analysis. The color intensity was determined using the Pfund scale. The antioxidant activity was determined with different spectrophotometric methods (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP). The content of the total polyphenols, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and proline was quantified using spectrophotometric methods. The electrical conductivity, refractive index, and optical rotation were analyzed according to European Pharmacopoeia, 12th edition. Our study shows that the antioxidant capacity, and proline and phenolic content of unifloral pseudoacacia honeys can vary according to the geographical origin, polyphenol content, and the pollen profile in honey samples.