Chemical Elements and the Quality of Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) Honey

Soil properties in the foraging range of honeybees influence honey composition. We aimed to determine relationships between the antimicrobial properties of New Zealand manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) honey and elemental concentrations in the honey, plants, and soils. We analyzed soils, plants, and fresh manuka honey samples from the Wairarapa region of New Zealand for the chemical elements and the antimicrobial activity of the honey as indicated by methylglyoxal (MGO) and dihydroxyacetone (DHA). There were significant negative correlations between honey MGO and the concentrations of Mn, Cu, Mg, S, Na, Ba, K, Zn, and Al. These elements may provide a low-cost means of assessing manuka honey quality. For individual elements, except for K, there were no correlations between the honeys, plants, and soils. Soil nitrate concentrations were negatively correlated with concentrations of MGO and DHA in the honey, which implies that soil fertility may be a determiner of manuka honey quality.

Automated summary

The elemental concentrations in soils may influence the antimicrobial properties of manuka honey, with certain elements showing negative correlations with MGO levels. There were no clear correlations between honey, plants, and soils for individual elements, except for potassium. Additionally, soil fertility may play a role in determining manuka honey quality due to its negative correlation with MGO and DHA concentrations.