Physicochemical characteristics and pollen spectrum of some Saudi honeys

Ten unifloral Saudi honeys were studied and botainically typified: Sidir Aseer (Ziziphus Spina-christi (L)), Sidir Albaha (Ziziphus Spina-christi L), Talh Tehamh (Acacia spp.), Samra Taif (Acacia Etbaica), Magra Aseer (Hypericum perforatum), Doarm Taif (Levandula Dentata), Shorm Taif (Ocimum repandra), Talh Medina (Acacia spp.), Farm Riyadh (Heliantemum chamaecistus), and Farm Qaseem (Cheno Podium spp.). Honeys were considered to be unifloral when the dominant pollen was over 40% of total pollen. All samples were examined for moisture, refractive index, specific gravity, viscosity, total solids, water-insoluble solids, ash content, pH, total acidity, hydroxy methyl furfural, diastase, invertase activity, optical rotation, minerals and sugars. These samples were found to meet all major national and international honey specifications.