MELISSOPALINOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THE HONEY FROM AROEIRA (Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão- Anacardiaceae), PRODUCED IN PIAUÍ, BRAZIL

Abstract

The current paper aims to characterize the honey derived from the Aroeira tree (Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão) through pollen and physicochemical analysis.

The samples (15) were obtained directly from beekeepers of the State of Piauí throughout the months of August and September 2019, and then identified by number, location and harvest date, subsequently being submitted to melissopalinological and physicochemical analysis (acidity, pH, humidity, reducing sugars, apparent sucrose content, ashes and color). As a result, it was noted that of the 15 samples analyzed, 10 were identified as monofloral honey from the aroeira tree. It’s worth noting that the samples presented a low species variety in their pollinic spectrum, and 13,3% of the samples were determined to be 100% from the M. urundeuva pollinic type. Such information allows the inference of a regional potential for the production of the Aroeira tree monofloral honey. The aroeira tree honey presented the following physicochemical characteristics: acidity (26,93 meq/kg ± 2,85), pH (3,48±0,30), humidity (16,4%±0,02), dark amber color, reducing sugars (70,9%±1,58), ashes (0,13%±0,4), apparent sucrose content (0,93%±0,14). The results are in agreement with the limits established by the current legislation. The honey presented physicochemical characteristics similar to other monofloral aroeira tree honeys originated from semi-arid regions. It was possible, therefore, to establish physicochemical standards for the aroeira tree honey produced in Piauí, contributing to the valorization of the semiarid’s  monofloral honey.