title: Significance of nonaromatic organic acids in honey.
abstract: Although organic acids represent < 0.5% of honey's constituents, they make important contributions to the organoleptic, physical, and chemical properties of honey. To date, approximately 30 nonaromatic organic acids have been identified in honey, but relatively little attention has been paid to these components. This article reviews the current literature related to the significance of nonaromatic organic acids in honey; it was written with a goal of attracting researchers to study these interesting honey components. Previous research contributions on nonaromatic organic acids in honey may be classified into five main areas: (i) the antibacterial activities of these acids, (ii) the antioxidant activities of these acids, (iii) the use of these acids as possible indicators of incipient fermentation, (iv) the use of these acids for treatment of Varroa infestation, and (v) the use of these acids as factors for the characterization of both botanical and geographical origins of honeys. We conclude that nonaromatic organic acids are of interest for diverse reasons and that there is a particular need for studies regarding their possible antibacterial and antioxidant activities.
authors.affiliation: Facultad de Farmacia, Departamento de Química Analítica, Nutrición y Bromatología, Area de Nutrición y Bromatología, Universidad de Santiago, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain.
authors.forename: Inés
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Mato
authors.forename: José F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Huidobro
authors.forename: Jesús
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Simal-Lozano
authors.forename: M Teresa
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Sancho
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000032:analysis; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000032:analysis; D002264:Carboxylic Acids / Q000032:analysis* / Q000494:pharmacology; D004350:Drug Residues / Q000032:analysis; D005285:Fermentation; D005504:Food Analysis; D006722:Honey / Q000032:analysis* / Q000145:classification; D008924:Mite Infestations / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008925:Mites / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000975:Antioxidants; D002264:Carboxylic Acids