Honey produced in a dairy farming system based on alfalfa (physicochemical, palynologic and sensorial analyses)

Abstract

The objective of this study was to characterize honey produced in the central area of Santa Fe province, Argentina. Honey samples (134, produced from 2005/2006 to 2009/2010), considered by farmers to be single-flowered of clover or alfalfa were analyzed physicochemically, palynologically and sensorial analyses. Thirty-six botanic families were identified in the samples, but only 5 families were observed in >50% of them. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) was found in 72% of the samples; however, its pollen was of minor importance in 81% of the cases. Clover pollen (Trifolium sp and, Melilotus sp.) associated with that of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and Lotus sp was observed in 89% of the samples, but in only 8% of the cases was its concentration >45%, the percentage required to be considered as clover single-flowered honey, according to the National Legislation. When clover, alfalfa and lotus pollen constituted 20% or more of the total pollen, chemical and sensorial changes were observed and non-significant differences were observed between kinds of honey with 20-45% and those with >45% of this pollen. Honey with 20% of clover pollen showed lower humidity, color, acidity, glucose and fructose in comparison with the honey of <20% clover pollen). The presence of at least 20% of this pollen imparted a warm subtle and plant dry smell, warm subtle aroma, pungent trigeminal sensation and a fluid oral texture. Presence of at least 20% of clover, alfalfa and lotus pollen induces changes in the honey characteristics of the region studied.