Honey classification from semi-arid, Atlantic and transitional forest zones in Bahia, Brazil

In this study, samples of honey produced in three different regional climates in the southwest Bahia, Brazil (semi-arid, Atlantic and Transitional Forest Zones) were characterized on the basis of their mineral and trace elements, ash content and electrical conductivity. The metals were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The cluster and principal component analysis (PCA) methods were applied to the chemical concentration data in order to study the chemistry variables capable of promoting a characterization of the honey produced in each area. Cluster analysis and PCA distinguishes the different groups of honey samples corresponding to each region of the three geographical origins. The high correlation between electrical conductivity and Cu observed in honey samples from transitional forest zones suggested a coupling to the nutrient cycle, and can be attributed to use of copper compounds in coffee production, a major activity developed in all transitional forest zones.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Santos,José Soares dos, Santos,Núbia Soares dos, Santos,Maria Lúcia Pires dos, Santos,Sabrina Novaes dos, Lacerda,Julian Júnio de Jesus
Format:	Digital revista
Language:	English
Published:	Sociedade Brasileira de Química 2008
Online Access:	http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0103-50532008000300018
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