Origem botânica e controle de qualidade bio-físico-quimico do mel do cerrado

Abstract

This project studied the plants that serve as food for honey-producing bees in the Anápolis mesoregion, in Goiás. The aim was to relate the botanical origin to the physicochemical properties of regional honeys. To this end, it was necessary to learn about botany, palynology, and the physicochemical processes of regional honey. The activities took place in areas of the region within the average flight range of the bees. The research will be conducted in partnership with the Anápolis Beekeepers Association, SENAR (National Rural Learning Service), and the State University of Goiás. In addition, a floristic mapping was carried out to identify the species of the local flora. Exsiccates of plants were collected and pressed onto cardboard for storage in the herbarium, as well as pollen grains for botanical identification. Images of these grains will be stored in a palynological database representative of the region. Palynology will allow for the comparison of honey pollen with that of flowers available in the Anápolis mesoregion. This will make it possible to identify which plants are actually visited by bees. The collected honeys will undergo physicochemical quality analyses, evaluating parameters such as acidity, pH, moisture, electrical conductivity, and refraction. This will allow for verification of the legal compliance of the honeys by detecting contaminant residues and fermentation. There has been an increase in honey production in Goiás in recent years, although it represents a small portion of national production. This work enabled the compilation of systematized information on the botanical origin and composition of the honey, thus favoring certification of origin and traceability, adding scientific, economic, and environmental sustainability value to regional honey.