Caracterización, determinación de vitaminas hidrosolubles y actividad antioxidante de mieles monoflorales de Castilla-La Mancha

Resumen

The knowledge of the properties and nutritional value of honey is still scarce taking into account that not all honeys are equals, the botanical origin and geographical area of production are important factors to determine the composition of honey. The aim of this research is to determine the characteristics and certain minority components, with a high nutritional value and importance for health, of honey produced in the Spanish region of Castilla-La Mancha. One of its areas, "La Alcarria" is well known for its honeys, with Protected Denomination of Origin (PDO). With this purpose six types of monofloral honeys from Castilla-La Mancha have been characterized by physico-chemical, sensory and pollen profiles. Moreover, several methods for determination of water-soluble vitamins have been developed and applied to analysis of these honeys. Vitamin C was found in all samples analysed, standing out the thyme honeys with a 10-fold content than the rest. Vitamin B1 was found that is present in high levels in honeydew, echium, thyme and chestnut honeys. For the rest of the honeys the content in vitamins is low. Antioxidant, antibacterial and antihypertensive activities were also studied, with interesting results, highlighting thyme and chestnut honeys that possess the highest antioxidant activity, and chestnut honey with the greatest antibacterial and antihypertensive activity