title: Botanical origin, colour, granulation, and sensory properties of the Harenna forest honey, Bale, Ethiopia.
abstract: In this study, the Harenna forest honey samples were investigated with respect to their botanical origin, granulation, colour and sensory properties. Sixteen honey samples were collected from two representative sites (Chiri, C, and Wabero, W) using random sampling techniques. Botanical origin was investigated using qualitative pollen analysis by counting 500 pollen grains using harmonised methods of melissopalynology. Granulation, colour, and sensory properties of honey were determined by visual observation, using Pfund grader, acceptability and preference tests, respectively. Honey samples were also tested for tetracycline. Honey obtained from Wabero is originated dominantly from Syzygium guineense while Chiri was multifloral. The colour of honey ranged from 34 to 85 with light amber and extra light amber colours. The honey samples were free from tetracycline residue and form coarse granules slowly. Significant variation (p>0.05) in sensory preference and acceptability tests not observed due to hive types and locations.
authors.affiliation: Center for Food Science and Nutrition Program, Addis Ababa University, P O Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Electronic address: ab.berabelay@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Abera
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Belay
authors.affiliation: University of Swaziland, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Consumer Sciences, P O Box Luyengo M205, Swaziland. Electronic address: solowkj@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: W K
authors.initials: WK
authors.lastname: Solomon
authors.affiliation: Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Private Bag 0027, Content Farm, Sebele, Gaborone, Botswana. Electronic address: bultosageremew@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Geremew
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bultossa
authors.affiliation: Bee Research Unit, College of Food Science and Agriculture, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, P O Box - 1460, Saudi Arabia. Electronic address: nuruadgaba@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Nuru
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Adgaba
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Columbus State University, 4225 University Avenue, Columbus, GA 31907, USA. Electronic address: abegaz_samuel@columbusstate.edu.
authors.forename: Samuel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Melaku
mesh_terms: D003116:Color; D005002:Ethiopia; D006722:Honey / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans
keywords: Botanical origin; Colour; Ethiopia; Granulation; Harenna forest; Honey; Sensory properties