CHARACTERIZATION OF UNIFLORAL HONEYS

The characterization of 14 types of Italian unifloral honeys was carri ed out on the basis of the organoleptic, microscopic (qualitative and quantitative melissopalynological analysis) and physicochemical proper ties (colour, moisture, ash, HMF, diastase, pH, total acidity, electri cal conductivity, specific rotation and sugars). The botanical origins of the examined honeys were Arbutus unedo L, Castanea sativa Mill, Ci trus spp, Erica arborea L, Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh, Hedysarum c oronarium L, Helianthus annuus L, Rhododendron spp, Robinia pseudoacac ia L, Taraxacum officinale Web, Thymus capitatus Hofmgg et LK, Tila sp p, honeydew honey from Abies and honey from Metcalfa pruinosa honeydew . The synoptic picture emerging from the results can be used as a refe rence framework for the diagnosis of unifloral honeys.