Differences in Jijona turrón concepts between consumers and manufacturers

Sensory evaluation of food is of particular interest for typical products such as those having a Protected Geographical Indication, e.g. Jijona turrón. Sensory analysis can help manufacturers in getting a better understanding of consumer acceptability. The main objective of this study was to compare the concepts of a high‐quality turrón between consumers and manufacturers. The most important quality attributes of Jijona turrón were hardness, oiliness, consistency, crumbliness, adhesiveness, almond content, honey aroma, almond aroma and sweetness. Both consumers and manufacturers perceived these attributes in a similar way, indicating that consumers had a high knowledge of this product. However, while consumers want a product with high levels of sweetness and consistency and low levels of oiliness, manufacturers care more for intense honey and almond flavours. Finally, turrón consumption is confined to Christmas for people aged < 35 or > 50 years, while people aged 35–50 years consume this item throughout the year. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Application of Selected Ion Flow Tube Mass Spectrometry Coupled with Chemometrics to Study the Effect of Location and Botanical Origin on Volatile Profile of Unifloral American Honeys

Abstract: Ten Ohio and Indiana honey samples from star thistle (Centaurea Americana), blueberry (Vaccinium spp.), clover (Trifolium spp.), cranberry (Vaccinium spp.), wildflower, and an unknown source were collected. The headspace of these honeys was analyzed by selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry and soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA). SIMCA was utilized to statistically differentiate between honeys based on their composition. Ohio honeys from star thistle, blueberry, and clover were similar to each other in volatile composition, while Ohio wildflower honey was different. Indiana honeys from star thistle, blueberry, and wildflower were different from each other in volatile composition, while clover and cranberry honeys were similar. Honeys from Ohio and Indiana with the same floral origins were different in volatile composition. Furfural, 1‐octen‐3‐ol, butanoic, and pentanoic acids were the volatiles with the highest discriminating power between types of floral honey. Methanol and ethanol followed by acetic acid were at the highest levels in most honeys, though furfural was at the highest concentration in Indiana blueberry honey, while 1‐octen‐3‐ol was at the highest concentration in Indiana wildflower honey. The highest concentration of volatile compounds was in Indiana wildflower honey followed by Ohio wildflower honey, while the lowest concentration of volatile compounds was observed in Ohio clover honey followed by Indiana clover honey. Practical Application: Using chemometrics, concentrations of volatile compounds in different honeys can be used to determine the influence of botanical and geographical origins on aroma, which is important for the quality of honey. Characterization of volatile compounds can also be a useful tool for assessing honey quality.     

Volatile and carbohydrate composition of rare unifloral honeys from Spain

Volatile composition and carbohydrate content of Spanish honey samples from uncommon botanical origins have been studied by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. About 100 volatile compounds were identified; some of them appeared to be characteristic of particular honey types, such as methyl salycilate in willow (Salix spp.), 2,6,6-trimethyl-2,4-cycloheptadien-1-one (eucarvone) in almond tree (Prunus dulcis) and isophorone in strawberry-tree (Arbutus unedo). Concentration ranges for major carbohydrates were similar to those previously reported in other honeys with different botanical origins, although concentrations of maltulose in avocado honeys (Persea americana) and of melezitose in Quercus ilex honeys were higher. Some carbohydrate alcohols could also be considered as markers of honey botanical origin, such as quercitol for Q. ilex and perseitol for avocado.     

Descriptive analysis of Rubus honey from the north‐west of Spain

A study of Rubus honey was conducted to determine their sugar composition, physicochemical properties, phenol and flavonoid contents, and sensorial and pollen characteristics. The principal pollen types present in the studied samples were Rubus, Castanea and Cytisus. Other pollen types such as Trifolium, some Erica sp., Eucalyptus or Echium were present in more than 50% of the pollen spectra. The sensorial characteristics of Rubus honey were amber‐to‐amber dark in colour, floral and/or vegetal olfactory perceptions with medium‐to‐low intensity and persistence, medium floral aftertaste and a fruity aroma. Physicochemical analysis showed that the honey had good quality and freshness. Phenol and flavonoid contents varied greatly and were related to the mineral content and colour of the honey. A stepwise regression analysis was performed using colour as the dependent variable, and flavonoid, electrical conductivity, and Rubus pollen as the independent variables.     

Hesperetin: A marker of the floral origin of citrus honey

Seventeen flavonoid aglycones were identified in various experimental and commercial citrus honey samples by HPLC analysis. The flavanone hesperetin was detected in all samples. This flavanone was not detected in any of the honey samples, from diverse floral origin (including rosemary, lavender, sunflower, almond, sweet chestnut, white clover, Erisarum, Robinia, Rhododendron, Tilia, Prosopis, Eucalyptus and Calluna honeys) previously investigated. The analysis of the flavonoids present in orange nectar revealed that the flavanone hesperidin (hesperetin-7-rutinoside) was the major flavonoid detected and, therefore, this should be the main source of the hesperetin found in citrus honey. Hesperetin should be produced by hydrolysis of hesperidin by the bee enzymes present in honey. These results suggest that hesperetin could be used as a marker for the botanical origin of citrus honey.     

Palynological and physicochemical data characterisation of honeys produced in the Entre‐Douro e Minho region of Portugal

Honey legislation has been addressed to establish the minimum marketing level of the product and the need for consumer protection through correct denominations. Research oriented toward assessment of floral origin and physicochemical properties may increase the commercial value of these products. The characteristics of thirty‐one honeys produced in the Entre‐Douro e Minho region in Portugal were studied. Pollen features and some physicochemical parameters (moisture, ash, pH, free acidity, electrical conductivity, hydroxymethylfurfural contain, apparent sucrose, reducing sugars and diastase activity) were determined. The samples were found to meet international honey specifications. The present study found a linear regression between the ash content of honeys and their specific conductivity. Five samples are listed as Eucalyptus honey, one sample as Citrus honey, and twenty‐five samples as multifloral honeys. Of the total, 87.1% exceeded the quality parameters and should be labelled as ‘virgin’ honey.     

Characterization of monofloral honeys with multivariate analysis of their chemical profile and antioxidant activity

Abstract: Various bioactive chemical constituents were quantified for 21 honey samples obtained at Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais, Brazil. To evaluate their antioxidant activity, 3 different methods were used: the ferric reducing antioxidant power, the 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical‐scavenging activity, and the 2,2′‐azinobis (3‐ethylbenzothiazolin)‐6‐sulfonate (ABTS) assays. Correlations between the parameters were statistically significant (?0.6684 ≤ r ≤?0.8410, P < 0.05). Principal component analysis showed that honey samples from the same floral origins had more similar profiles, which made it possible to group the eucalyptus, morrão de candeia, and cambara honey samples in 3 distinct areas, while cluster analysis could separate the artificial honey from the floral honeys. Practical Application: This research might aid in the discrimination of honey floral origin, by using simple analytical methods in association with multivariate analysis, which could also show a great difference among floral honeys and artificial honey, indicating a possible way to help with the identification of artificial honeys.     

Estimation of the honeydew ratio in honey samples from their physicochemical data and from their volatile composition obtained by SPME and GC‐MS

Differentiation of nectar and honeydew honeys is difficult, not only because of the wide variability in composition and organoleptic properties among samples from the same source, but also because of the frequent existence of honeys resulting from a blend of nectar and honeydew. A mathematical expression to evaluate the relative presence of honeydew in a honey sample (HD) has been developed from relevant physicochemical properties of honey samples selected as highly representative of both honey types on the basis of their physico‐chemical and melissopalynological analysis. As honey aroma depends on its volatiles composition, GC‐MS analysis of the volatile fraction obtained by SPME has been carried out in order to evaluate its usefulness in honey source differentiation. Stepwise regression from multicomponent volatiles data was used for the estimation of HD and for determining which volatile compounds were related to the different honey sources. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

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. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Pollen spectrum and physico‐chemical attributes of heather (Erica sp.) honeys of north Portugal

BACKGROUND: Honey legislation has been addressed to establish the minimum marketing level of the product and the need for consumer protection through correct denominations. Research oriented toward assessment of floral origin and physico‐chemical properties may increase the commercial value of these products. The characteristics of 23 unifloral honeys of Erica sp., from Portugal, were studied. Pollen features and some physicochemical parameters (moisture, ash, pH, free acidity, electrical conductivity, hydroxymethylfurfural content, apparent sucrose, reducing sugars and diastase activity) were determined. RESULTS: All honey samples can be classified as monofloral Erica sp., they gave a mean value of 56% of Erica pollen type. The families Fabaceae and Rosaceae provided the greatest number of pollen types with 8 and 4 pollen types each respectively. The second most important pollen type is Eucalyptus, present in 69.6% of the samples. All honey samples met the international physicochemical quality standards. The present study found a linear correlation (R = 0.996) between the ash content of honeys and their specific conductivity. CONCLUSION: All honey samples can be classified as monofloral Erica sp. Unifloral honeys are increasingly requested and appreciated, despite their higher prices. The samples were found to meet all major international honey specifications. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Volatile Components of Aqueous Liquid Smokes from Vitis viniferaL Shoots and Fagus sylvaticaL Wood

Vitis vinifera L shoots and Fagus sylvatica L wood were used to obtain aqueous smoke flavouring preparations. Both flavourings have a gold colour and pleasant odour. The flavour components of both samples are extracted with dichloromethane. The identification and quantitation of the components of the extracts are carried out by means of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and gas chromatography with flame ionisation detection. In both preparations carbonyl derivatives are in higher concentrations than phenol derivatives. Compounds that confer sweet, burnt and pungent flavours are in higher concentrations in the Vitis vinifera L shoots smoke flavouring, and compounds that give smoky flavours are in higher concentrations in the Fagus sylvatica L wood smoke flavouring. Ratios between the concentrations of the main components are proposed as parameters in order to characterise smoke and smoke flavourings, manufactured under specific conditions, from a specific wood. Finally, the yield of some components from a fixed amount of wood is also given.     

Mathematical quantification of almond content in Jijona turrón

Alicante and Jijona turrones are typical Spanish confectionery products made from toasted almonds, honey and sugar. Turrón is commercially classified according to its almond content, which is easy to quantify in Alicante turrón. However, no analytical method is available for this purpose in Jijona turrón. The main objective of this work was to establish a model that allows the quantification of almond content in Jijona turrón based on values of routine quality parameters (moisture, fibre, proteins, fat and sugars). The model was established and validated with quality parameters of Alicante turrón and then applied to samples of Jijona turrón. The variables shown to be statistically significant were fibre and fat. The model was successfully applied to Jijona turrón although it was valid for regular elaboration procedures; if modifications to the traditional manufacturing process, such as extending the standing stage to reduce the oiliness of product, are carried out the model will need additional adjustments.     

Investigation of aromatic compounds in Alicante and Jijona <Emphasis Type="Italic">turrón</Emphasis>

Alicante and Jijona turrón are honey- and almond-based confectionery products very famous in Spanish countries, especially during Christmas. In this study, the role of different types of honey (rosemary, orange blossom, and control—a mixture of sugars resembling the sugars composition of real honey) in the aroma and flavor of these confections was studied. Volatile compounds in turrón samples were extracted using simultaneous distillation–extraction and finally isolated, quantified and identified using GC-MS. Two different types of panels were used, trained and consumer, for studying the aroma and flavor intensities of turrón samples. Aldehydes, aromatic hydrocarbons and furans were the predominant chemical groups in turrón samples. The first conclusion was that terpenes and aromatic hydrocarbons decreased with the heating of the boixet step while pyrazines, furans, and pyrroles increased. Chemical feelings, such as cooling and pungency, are the best tool to discriminate among products containing and non-containing honey. Products containing honey were more aromatic and obtained higher satisfaction values than those prepared from a mixture of sugars.     

Investigation of aromatic compounds in toasted almonds used for the manufacture of <Emphasis Type="Italic">turrón</Emphasis>

Turrón is being elaborated in a traditional way using raw materials from Eastern Spain; however, the production of honey and especially almond does not meet current demands. Therefore, manufacturers are using almonds from other countries, especially USA. Three different almond cultivars (two from Spain and one from USA) were compared for their differences in volatile components and sensory responses. A total of 58 compounds were detected in toasted almonds; these included ketones, aldehydes, pyrazines, alcohols, aromatic hydrocarbons, furans, pyrroles, terpenes, and linear hydrocarbons. Pyrazines, together with furans and pyrroles, significantly contributed to the characteristic toasted aroma of almond. Further studies are needed, however, in order to optimize the roasting conditions for each one of the almond cultivars used in the manufacture of turrón.     

Improvement of rheological and physicochemical properties of longan honey by non‐thermal magnetic technique

A non‐thermal technology using magnetic field (MF) can improve flowability of honey while maintaining its physicochemical quality. Effects of MF treatment on rheological and physicochemical properties of longan honey exposed to MF for 2 h at 15 °C and 28 °C were investigated and compared with those of non‐MF samples. Increasing MF strength at 28 °C caused a reduction in firmness (P ≤ 0.05), but not in consistency, index of viscosity and cohesiveness. The effects at 15 °C were greater. Newtonian behaviour was observed for all samples. Shear stress and viscosity were significantly reduced with increasing MF strength at 15 °C (P ≤ 0.05), but less at 28 °C. pH was also decreased. Total soluble solids content was increased at both temperatures (P ≤ 0.05). Colour index was not significantly affected by MF, whereas optical density was slightly increased at high MF strengths (P > 0.05). L* values for the MF treated samples were increased (P ≤ 0.05), giving lighter and more pleasant colour to the honey. MF treatment improved overall qualities of honey.     

Degradation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural in Honey

ABSTRACT: 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is the most important intermediate product of the acid‐catalyzed dehydration reaction of hexoses and/or Maillard reaction; furthermore, it is the most used index to evaluate thermal damages or ageing in food products. Usually its degradation reactions, being very slow, are neglected. This study reports the findings concerning the degradation kinetics of HMF, in honeys of different floral origin at a temperature between 25 and 50 °C. The results highlighted higher degradation rates (k_{HMFdegradation}) compared to the corresponding formation rates (k_HMFformation) in chestnut and citrus samples. Similar k‐values were found in multifloral honey. Moreover, the reaction of HMF degradation was characterized by lower activation energy (E_a) values compared to E_a formation values. The final concentration of HMF in honey, during storage at room temperature, should be ascribed to high sugar concentration. The fluctuation of HMF in honeys could depend on the equilibrium between the accumulation and the degradation processes. This can affect the validity of HMF as storage index in some honeys, above all during the analysis of those honeys whose legislation is too restrictive (citrus) or in chestnut honey analysis where it does not accumulate.     

Comparative study of the physicochemical and palynological characteristics of honey from Melipona subnitida and Apis mellifera

Twenty‐four samples of Apis mellifera honey and twenty‐four samples of Melipona subnitida (Jandaira) honey were collected in the northeast of Brazil. Moisture, hydroxymethylfurfural, free acidity, insoluble solids in water, diastase activity, ashes, electrical conductivity, proteins, lipids, total carbohydrates, energy and sugars were the parameters analysed. The efficiency of the qualitative tests (Fiehe's test, Lugol's reaction, Lund's reaction) was tested. Pollen types and the corresponding plant species were identified in all samples (3 in Apis and 1 in Melipona). Apis mellifera honey samples demonstrated parameters in accordance with the Brazilian Legislation, while the Melipona subnitida honey samples displayed moisture (24.80%) and diastase activity (null) in discordance with the established by the regulation for Apis mellifera honeys. Apis honey samples presented higher values of electric conductivity (284.00 μS cm^?1) than the obtained from the Jandaira honey samples (102.77 μS cm^?1) as well as a darker colour (26.67 mmPfund) when compared with Jandaira honey (7.00 mmPfund). The concentration of the glucose, fructose and sucrose was higher in the Apis honeys than in the Jandaira honey. The characteristics of the two types of honey were very different, highlighting the need of developing specific legislation for stingless bees' honey.     

Production and characterization of mead from the honey of Melipona scutellaris stingless bees

Mead is a traditional alcoholic beverage obtained by fermenting must and can offer a solution to honey over‐production and a way of valorizing honey of lower quality. The purpose of this study was to produce and characterize mead with different levels of sugars and alcohol obtained from honey from Melipona scutellaris. The honey used for mead preparation was analysed in order to ensure that it met the required quality standards. It was found that the alcoholic content and volatile acidity were outwith the limits established by Brazilian law. Mead legislation is based on the product obtained from Apis mellifera (‘honey bee’) honey and these results indicate the need to re‐evaluate the standards established for this product in order to incorporate mead produced from honey from stingless bees of the genus Melipona. Copyright © 2018 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

Efficiency of the FT‐IR ATR spectrometry for the prediction of the physicochemical characteristics of Melipona subnitida honey and study of the temperature's effect on those properties

The efficiency of ATR FT‐IR spectrometry was compared with recommended methodologies for physicochemical parameters of eighteen samples of Melipona subnitida honey. Significant differences were found between the values obtained using those techniques for hydroxymethylfurfural, ash and electrical conductivity. The results for the other parameters did not differ significantly, suggesting that this rapid and nondestructive methodology may predict parameters usually used to assess honeys’ quality. The effects of different storage conditions (room temperature, fridge and freezer) on the quality parameters of the product stored during 12 months were studied. Darkening of the honey was observed, particularly in the fridge and freezer. However, the changes occurring in the honey kept on the fridge were not statistically different from those occurring in the product kept on the freezer, except for free acidity. The results obtained for the honey stored at room temperature, best way to preserve, differed significantly from those obtained for the honey kept under the other conditions.