Carbohydrate composition and physico chemical properties of artisanal honeys from Madrid (Spain): occurrence of Echium sp honey

Artisanal honey samples produced in Madrid province (central Spain) were characterised from their melissopalynological analysis, carbohydrate composition and physicochemical parameters. Melissopalynological analysis showed that Echium sp pollen appeared as the dominant palynomorph in most samples. It was also observed that many honey samples were natural blends from both nectar and honeydew botanical origins. Twenty-five carbohydrates (glucose, fructose, 16 disaccharides and seven trisaccharides) were detected and quantified. Discriminant analysis was used to describe the variability of compositional data, which was probably associated with the different honey sources analysed (honeydew, Echium sp and other nectar plants), which in turn was related to the physiographical conditions (plain or mountain) occurring in Madrid province.