Physicochemical analysis of Gelam Honey / Nur Napisyah Md Rudzi

The physicochemical properties of honey is strongly associated with their geographical origin, types of flower or fruit season and useful as an indicator for honey purity and quality. Gelam honey is produced by Apis mellifera, and obtained Melalucae cajupati plant or locally known as Gelam tree. The current study investigates the physicochemical properties of Gelam honey collected from Marang, Terengganu. Physicochemical properties of honey were evaluated using the Harmonized Methods of the International Comission (IHC). The texture analysis of honey were measured using back extrusion method while pollen analysis was determined using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Gelam honey was amber in color which the Pfund value is 33.38 ± 8.08 mm. The value of electrical conductivity (EC) is 0.84 ± 0.00 mS/cm, insoluble matter (0.62 ± 0.26 g/100g), ash content (0 g/100g) and diastase activity (8.30 ± 5.87 in Schade unit). The textural properties of Gelam honey; stickiness, stringiness, viscosity, cohesiveness, firmness and consistency of the honey were 3.64 ± 0.01 g , 13.14 ± 0.03 mm, 377.67 ± 4.51 mpa/sec, 497.06 ± 0.72 g, 27.34 ± 8.86 g, and 183.91 ± 51.38 gsec respectively. The pollen analysis showed the presence of Melaleuca cajuputi, Mimosa pudica, Elaeis guineensis and an unidentified pollen. In conclusion, the fndings obtained from physicochemical and pollen analysis indicate that Gelam honey from Marang is a good quality honey.