Natural Biological Properties Inherited from Native Endemic Flora in Honeys from Lake Ranco Area of Southern Chile: A Botanical and Physicochemical Approach

TL;DR

This study analyzes honeys from southern Chile to identify unique biological properties from native plants, which could help in authenticating and valuing these honeys.

Contribution

The study identifies specific native plant species influencing the antioxidant properties of honeys, offering a method to authenticate and characterize Chilean honeys.

Findings

Three native species significantly influence the antioxidant activity of honeys from the Lake Ranco area.

Physicochemical parameters and compound activity create a unique profile for monofloral honeys.

These findings can help establish a system to authenticate and value Chilean honeys based on their biological attributes.

Abstract

Chile boasts a rich variety of native endemic melliferous flora, recognized internationally for the excellent taste and biological properties of its honeys. While honey production occurs across various regions, the southern zone, particularly near native rainforests, yields highly valued honeys that often lack comprehensive analytical characterization. This study was focused on seven apiaries near Lake Ranco in the Los Rios Region, collecting two honey samples from each location over two consecutive harvesting seasons, totaling 20 samples. Key parameters analyzed included botanical origin, total carbohydrates, glucose/fructose ratio, total phenolic compounds, antioxidant/antiradical activity and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content. The results indicated a significant influence of three native species, Eucryphia cordifolia, Caldcluvia paniculata, and Weinmannia trichosperma, on the antioxidant activity of the honeys. The physicochemical parameters measured, along with the concentration and activity of the compounds responsible for this activity, establish a very characteristic pattern for the monofloral honeys of these three species. This information could serve as a foundation for constructing a map to help differentiate Chilean honeys based on their natural biological attributes helpful for consumer health, generating distinctive profiles that would contribute to accurately guaranteeing their geographical origin and, consequently, increase their specific value.

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