Studies on Libyan Honeys

Abstract

The honey samples representing various floral types were obtained from different, areas in Libya. Two other samples were obtained from hives where bees were fed on sugar syrup and date syrup respectively. The chemical composition and some characteristics of these samples were studied. The data obtained generally showed that the specifications of honeys produced in Libya conformed with those required for table honey. The applications of thin layer chromatography on cellulose-coated plates for the analysis of honey sugars yielded clear resolution and discrete spots. Some measures such as high level of calcium, low level of potassium and UV-absorption spectra of honeys were suggested to be used for identifying the sugar honeys and for ensuring the quality of blossom honeys. An attempt has been made to predict the granulation behaviour of honeys and a derived regression formula was suggested.