Caracterização físico-química de amostras de mel da região Oeste do Paraná, de 2008 a 2018, em função da época de colheita e localização dos apiários

Abstract

The relation between the composition of honey and its phytogeographic origin can be a differential for this product’s certification and commercialization. The present study aimed to evaluate the physico-chemical parameters of honey samples produced in the Western region of Paraná, in apiaries located in relation to the Itaipu lake, being near or far from the lake, from 2008 until 2018. The analyses were carried out in the Food Technology Laboratory at the Western Paraná State University (Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná – UNIOESTE), campus Marechal Cândido Rondon, State of Paraná. The data was submitted to multivariate analysis of the main components, divided in two stages, according to the physical-chemical parameters evaluated: data from the 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 harvests and, on the second stage, harvest information from 2008 until 2018. Considering the geographical influence of the municipalities, near or far from the Itaipu lake, three distinct groups were formed, by degree of similarity. Even in different years, a correlation was obtained between physico-chemical and geographical aspects of the honey samples. In general, most of the samples evaluated in this ten-year period was in conformity with the legal parameters, supporting the use of the Geographical Indications (GI) by the producers, regarding quality control. Producers whose samples were not in conformity with the official parameters received orientation for appropriate correction, as the apiculture associations and cooperatives were informed on the results. Regarding the product’s characterization, the analyses revealed similarities in the samples’ physico-chemical profiles, throughout the period, for some of the parameters. The predominant colors in all evaluated years were light amber and extra-light amber, accounting for 67.16 and 42.96%, respectively. On the other hand, some peculiarities were pointed out by the same statistical analysis, regarding year and local, for some parameters, such as amount of ash. All similarities and peculiarities observed in the analyses are, most likely, related to the botanical origin of the honey and the apiary’s pasturage used by the bees in each period, in both evaluated conditions. This information, complemented by other research projects being carried out, about soil usage and occupation, floristic investigation and analyses of melissopalynology, demonstrate a strong correlation between honey composition and phytogeographic regional characteristics, which is ground for requiring Denomination of Origin (DO) for the product.