Microbiological quality, physicochemical properties, and pollen profile of Jujube honey

REBHI, Imane Hadjer

Microbiological quality, physicochemical properties, and pollen profile of Jujube honey

REBHI, Imane Hadjer

URI: http://dspace.univ-djelfa.dz:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/6591

Date: 2024

Abstract:

This study was carried out on 6 samples of Jujube honey collected in different regions of Algeria to examine their microbiological, pollen and physicochemical properties. Pollen qualitative analysis was carried out with the aim of confirming the botanical origin of our samples. Microbiological quality was determined by the enumeration and detection of: total aerobic mesophilic flora, total and thermotolerant coliforms, anaerobic sulfite-reducing spores, yeasts and molds. The physicochemical parameters studied are moisture content, electrical conductivity, pH and free acidity. The results showed that samples 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 all had a high frequency of Ziziphus lotus (>50%) confirming their botanical origin as Jujube honeys. However, sample 4 had a lower frequency of Ziziphus lotus (39%) as well as other pollen species at similar frequencies, indicating that it is a multifloral honey. The results relating to the physicochemical parameters showed that our samples comply with Codex standards and European Council directives. Concerning the microbiological parameters, the results showed that samples 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 had a concentration of total mesophilic aerobic flora lower than the imposed microbiological limit, only sample 6 presented a higher concentration. Total coliforms were present in all samples at varying concentrations, while thermotolerant coliforms were only present in samples 1, 4 and 6, indicating that they are of poor quality. Anaerobic sulfite-reducing spores were not detected in any of the samples, while the yeast and mold count varied, with samples 1, 2, 4 and 5 showing counts above the imposed limit. The lack of strict regulations for honey quality control at the national and international levels is a problem that should be addressed properly to enhance honey’s quality and protect the consumer.

Description:

This study examined the Microbiological quality and physicochemical properties of Jujube honey to assess its quality, while the pollen profile was investigated to confirm the botanical and geographical origin of each sample. The honey samples were collected from different regions in the country in order to provide a representative and comprehensive overview of the quality and authenticity of Jujube honey in Algeria, and to highlight the effect of the regions’ bioclimatic conditions and biogeographic origins on the samples’ properties and quality. The pollen profile of our samples showed a rich composition of different pollen families, ziziphus lotus pollen frequency dominated in five of the samples confirming their botanical origin, and one of the samples was identified as multifloral. The analysis of pollen frequencies also allowed the confirmation of the geographical origin of the samples by referencing characteristic pollen species of each region. The physicochemical parameters investigated were moisture content, pH, free acidity, and electrical conductivity. The results showed that all our samples conform to the Codex’s and ECD’s standards. Our samples had a low MC well below 15%, this indicates that they are less susceptible to fermentation and deterioration, allowing them to be stored for longer periods of time. The pH values varied between 3.75 to 6.12, despite the lack of a standard for the pH of honey, a low pH is a key factor contributing to its antibacterial properties, taste, shelf life and overall quality. FA values were all below 50 meq/Kg which is the recommended standard limit by Codex and ECD, this indicates that the honey is fresh and has not undergone significant fermentation or aging, sample 6, which has been harvested in 2022 unlike the rest of the samples (2023) shows the highest free acidity value (22,5 meq/kg). EC results conformed to the standards with values well below 0.8mS/cm, which confirms the botanical origin of our samples as nectar honeys according to the Codex Alimentarius. The microbiological quality of our samples was evaluated based on the detection and enumeration of the Total aerobic mesophilic flora, total and thermotolerant coliforms, sulfite-reducing anaerobic spores, and yeast and mold. The microbiological quality of the samples varied, with samples 2,3, and 5 having good results in most of the tests, while samples 1,4, and 6 showed a presence of TTC. TAMF count results showed that samples 1,2,3, and 4 conformed to the French standard (<1000 cfu/g), while sample 5 was above the standard but conforms to the recommendations of Snowdon and Cliver (1996). TC were present in all the samples in varying numbers with samples 3, and 4 having counts above 100 TC/g, TTC was present in samples 1,4, and 6, but absent in the rest of the samples. There is no standard limit for TC in honey, but several international entities have imposed strict limits for TTC, indicating their obligatory absence, this shows that samples 1,4, and 6 suffered from poor sanitation practices during honey production, processing, or handling. The samples presented a complete absence of SAS which conforms to the standard set by Health Protection Agency. These results allowed us to confirm the botanical and geographical origin of our samples indicating good ethics of beekeepers and sellers who declared the correct honey type, the results also showed that most of our samples are of good quality, some samples showed high concentrations of specific germs which indicated the absence of sanitary and hygienic practices. This study is a contribution to the knowledge and understanding of the characteristics of Algerian Jujube honey and its botanical origin, by highlighting its unique qualities we hope to aid in the valorization and promotion of local production and consumption of this natural product. The pollen profile findings are also a contribution to the knowledge of the flora in the regions concerned in this study and could aid in the selection of botanical taxa usable as geographic markers. By dedicating this work to the consumers and producers of honey, we hope to promote informed purchasing decisions, and better hygienic and sanitary practices. By addressing concerns about the lack of honey quality regulations and advocating for safer honey products, we seek to open new avenues for quality evaluation studies and raise interest in the research and development of quality standards in the national and international level

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