Protein contents and physicochemical properties in honey samples of Apis mellifera of different floral origins

The protein contents in honey samples of different floral origins, commercialized in several states of Brazil, were determined using the method of Bradford. The spectra of pollen of the honeys collected in those areas were studied, in order to establish the correlation between the different botanical species and the protein contents. The physicochemical properties of the honeys (colour, moisture, pH and acidity, lund test, lugol test, diastase index, reducing and non-reducing sugars and hydroxymethylfurfural contents) were also determined. The colorimetric determination of the protein content of honey samples, using the method of Bradford, was shown to be efficient and it allowed the detection of elevated protein in honey samples of Borreria verticillata, known in Brazil as "vassourinha", from Piaui State. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.