Relationships among botanical origin, and physicochemical and antioxidant properties of artisanal honeys derived from native flora (Catamarca, Argentina)

The present work was designed to increase our scientific understanding of the quality of artisanal honeys (i.e., derived from a single species of flower), as a basis for enhancing their value as an economic product and a natural nutraceutical food. Physicochemical properties of honey samples (n = 39) from Catamarca province, Argentina were analysed by a variety of methods, including high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection/ mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS/MS). The samples showed a preponderance of pollen types from native floral species, and high levels of antioxidants. Flavonoid content, polyphenol content, radical scavenging capacity (RSC), acidity, and ash content comprised an array of closely interrelated parameters. Polyphenols and flavonoids were identified in two samples (Prosopis honey and Cercidium honey), that had a single pollen type abundance > 80%, by HPLC-DAD-MS/MS. The results suggest that Cercidium praecox contributed more strongly than other floral species to beneficial antioxidant properties, probably related to caffeoylquinic compounds. Our findings demonstrate the importance of native flora as a renewable natural resource, and the relatively greater contribution of certain floral species to antioxidant properties of honeys. (C) All Rights Reserved.