Journal of Bioscience and Biotechnology Discovery

The quality of different brands of honey sold in Katsina state was investigated. The samples were obtained from supermarkets, local shops and local homes, as part of local and imported brands. Several physico-chemical parameters such as water content, sugar content, pH, ash content, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), acidity and refractive index were evaluated. Similarly, other tests for adulteration were also carried out among the different brands studied. Analyses were carried out in triplicates and data was analysed using averages. The results for the physicochemical properties showed the following range of values for pH (3.95 to 5.1), moisture content (8.23 to 15.23%), ash content (0.06 to 0.36%), acidity (4 to 32 meqkg^-1). While the adulteration tests for hydroxymethylfurfural ranged from 74.7 to 119.1 mg/kg, sugar content from 75.607 to 77.427 g/100g. The adulteration test indicated the presence of added commercial invert sugar and absence of added glucose. Some traces of molasses were also detected in samples obtained from supermarkets and local shops, however, none from local villages were observed. It was concluded that most samples obtained from local villages showed better quality than samples collected from supermarket and Islamic stores.