Pollen spectrum and physicochemical attributes of sulla (Hedysarum coronarium) honeys of Médéa region (Algeria)

The qualities of Sulla honey samples of Médéa region (Algeria) were evaluated by determing the pollen spectrum and physicochemical attributes. It is generally accepted that a minimum content of 45% of Hedysarum coronarium (Sulla) pollen is necessary to classify an Sulla honey as unifloral. The samples were analysed for parameters including moisture, electrical conductivity, hydroxymethylfurfural, pH, acidity (free, lactone and total), sugars (fructose, glucose, sucrose and total sugar), fructose+glucose, fructose/glucose, glucose/moisture, proteins and colour. Qualitative pollen analysis showed the presence of 76 types from 35 families, with Fabaceae, Cistaceae, Asteraceae, and Myrtaceae being the most frequent. The overall pollen content can be considered as medium. All the samples presented low values of hydroxymethylfurfural and lactone acidity. The degree of colour varied from white to amber. Moisture, proteins content, fructose, glucose, sucrose and electrical conductivity were according to international standards.