Evaluation of the physicochemical properties of honey produced in Doyogena and Kachabira Districts of Kembata Tambaro zone, Southern Ethiopia

This study was conducted to evaluate the Physicochemical properties of honey produced in Doyogena and Kachabira districts, of Kembata Tambaro Zone, Southern Ethiopia. For the laboratory evaluation a total of eighteen (18) honey samples were collected. Of the total of 18 honey samples, 12 (6 from highland and 6 from midland) were purposively taken directly from the beekeepers from frame beehives and 6 honey samples were randomly taken from six retailor shops. The main parameters analyzed were color, moisture, electrical conductivity, ash, reducing sugar, fructose to glucose ratio, glucose to water ratio, fructose, glucose, fructose plus glucose, sucrose, Hydroxyl methyl furfural, power of hydrogen and free acidity. These parameters were evaluated in the Holetta bee research center laboratory and results were analyzed by Statistical analysis system software. The result of laboratory work indicated that the mean value of moisture, electrical conductivity, ash, reducing sugar, fructose to glucose ratio, glucose to water ratio, fructose, glucose, fructose plus glucose, sucrose, Hydroxyl methyl furfural, power of hydrogen and free acidity was, 18.83 ± 0.69 g/100g, 0.58 ± 0.03 mS/cm, 0.25 ± 0.02 g/100g, 68.55 ± 0.56 g/100g, 1.05 ± 0.03, 1.78 ± 0.08, 34.22 ± 0.55 g/100g, 32.61 ± 0.70 g/100g, 66.83 ± 0.44 g/100g, 2.54 ± 0.40 g/100g, 3.42 ± 1.95 mg/kg, 4.03 ± 0.21 and 13.39 ± 1.43 meq/kg respectively. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between districts in terms of moisture and power of hydrogen. Significant difference (P < 0.01) was declared between agro-ecologies in terms of the moisture, glucose to water ratio and free acidity. Moreover, a significant difference (P < 0.05) was seen between agro-ecologies concerning electrical conductivity and ash. There was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.01) between the honeys of the retailer shop and farm gate sources concerning moisture content, electrical conductivity, ash, reducing sugar, glucose to water ratio, sucrose, Hydroxyl methyl furfural and free acidity. The result of the study indicated that all the physicochemical parameters of honey evaluated lie within the range of national and international standards. Because of the good quality of honey of the study area, it is advised to exploit the potential for export market with better intervention.