Quality evaluation of broom honey (Spartocytisus supranubius L) produced in Tenerife (The Canary Islands)

The qualities of 24 samples of broom (Spartocytisus supranubius L) honey from Mount Teide National Park (Tenerife) were evaluated. A total of 33 pollen types was identified. The study demonstrated the predominance of Spartocytisus supranubius, and minor incidence of Echium wildpretii, Descurainia bourgaeana, Erysimum scoparium and Pteocephalus lasiospermus, which are major edemic plants of this zone. The low electrical conductivity was typical of pale honeys. Most samples showed a proper maturity indicated by the low water content. Since the hydroxymethylfurfural content was also low, good freshness was indicated. The free acidity (below 16.8 meq kg(-1)) indicated the absence of undesirable fermentation, and the mean pH (around 3.89) is usual for this kind of honey. The fructose/glucose ratio was 1.29 +/- 0.07 and sucrose content averaged 9.9 +/- 9.3 g kg(-1), with significance presence of erlose (24.4 +/- 16.8 g kg(-1)). Among the 12 organic acids detected, gluconic, isobutyric and butyric acids were identified in the majority of samples at high concentrations. Malic acid which was also present can be used as an marker for the differentiation of broom honey. (C) 2004 Society of Chemical Industry.