Assessment of Physicochemical and Biochemical Characteristics of Oak (Quercus spp.), Garland Thorn (Paliurus spina-christi Mill.), and Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Honeys

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This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical properties, total phenolic and flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity of oak (Quercus spp.), garland thorn (Paliurus spina-christi Mill.), and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) honey samples produced in Kirklareli, Thrace region of Northwest Türkiye.According to the results, contents of total soluble solids varied between 81.20-85.07°Brix,and pH values ranged from 3.41-5.39.The higher electrical conductivity was found in oak honey samples (0.83-1.09 µS/cm) compared to blossom honey types.Optical rotation changed between -1.42 and +0.14 depending on the honey type.The hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content was in the range of 0.77-4.51mg/kg, indicating that the honeys were natural (unprocessed).The highest proline content was found in the oak honey group (884.3 mg/kg) and the lowest value was in the sunflower honey group (568.5 mg/kg).In addition, the diastase activity of sunflower, garland thorn, and oak honeys was observed to vary between 12.26-18.72,14.00-23.95,and 13.53-24.58,respectively.The oak honey samples exhibited the darkest color and possessed the highest total phenolic content, consequently demonstrating the greatest antioxidant activity in the ABTS and DPPH assays.Among the blossom honey types, the garland thorn honey group showed higher antioxidant activity.In conclusion, although there were similarities in some physicochemical parameters of the samples, certain differences were observed among the honey types.