Honey

A Reference Guide
to Nature’s Sweetener
Antimicrobial Properties Calories
Honey has the capacity to serve as a natural food preservative. Research has Honey is a natural source of readily available carbohydrates providing 64 calo-
demonstrated the potential for honey to reduce enzymatic browning in fruits and ries per tablespoon
vegetables and prevent lipid oxidation in meats. Most of the antibacterial activity
of the honeys occurs due to hydrogen peroxide generation.1 Other researchers Chemical Characteristics
have identified the flavonoids in honey, particularly caffeic acid and ferulic acid, pH
as the most likely contributors.2 Honey contains a number of acids which include amino acids (0.05-0.1%)
and organic acids (0.57%, range: 0.17-1.17%). The average pH of honey is 3.9
Antioxidants 3 (with a typical range of 3.4 to 6.1).
Honey contains a variety of phytochemicals (as well as other substances such
as organic acids, vitamins, and enzymes) that may serve as sources of dietary Proteins, Amino Acids & Isoelectric Point
antioxidants (Gheldof and Engeseth 2002; Gheldof et al. 2002). The amount and Protein 0.266%
type of these antioxidant compounds depends largely upon the floral source/ Nitrogen 0.043%
variety of the honey (Gheldof et al. 2002). In general, darker honeys have been Amino Acids 0.05 – 0.1%
shown to be higher in antioxidant content than lighter honeys (Gheldof et al. Isoelectric Point 4.3
2002). Researchers at the University of Illinois Champaign/Urbana examined
the antioxidant content (using an assessment technique known as Oxygen Radi- Color
cal Absorbance Capacity or ORAC) of 14 unifloral honeys compared to a sugar Honey is classified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture into seven color
analogue. ORAC values for the honeys ranged from 3.0 µmol TE/g for acacia categories: water white, extra white, white, extra light amber, light amber, amber
honey to 17.0 µmol TE/g for Illinois buckwheat honey. The sugar analogue dis- and dark amber.
played no antioxidant activity.
Table 1
Antioxidant Activity (Measured by Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity or Color Name Pfund Scale (mm) Optical Density
ORAC) and Total Phenolic Content of Honeys from Various Sources Compared Water White <8 0.0945
to a Sugar Analogue* + (mean ± SD) Extra White 9-17 0.189
White 18-34 0.378
ORAC Total Phenolics Extra Light Amber 35-50 0.595
(µmol TE/g) (mg/kg) Light Amber 51-85 1.389
Amber 86-114 3.008
IL Buckwheat 16.95 ± 0.76 796 ± 32 Dark Amber > 114 —

Buckwheat 9.81 V 0.34 No data

Composition
NY Buckwheat 9.75 ± 0.48 456 ± 55 Honey is composed primarily of the sugars glucose and fructose; its third
greatest component is water. Honey also contains numerous other types of
Soy 8.34 ± 0.51 269 ± 22
sugars, as well as acids, proteins and minerals.4,5 Carbohydrates are described
Hawaiian Christmas Berry 8.87 ± 0.33 250 ± 26 by the number of sub-units they contain. Fructose and glucose are monosac-
Clover 6.53 ± 0.70 No data charides, that is, simple sugars. Sucrose, which is composed of fructose and
glucose linked together, is a disaccharide; it comprises a little over 1 percent
Tupelo 6.48 ± 0.37 183 ± 9 of the composition of honey. Honey contains other disaccharides which make
Fireweed 3.09 ± 0.27 62 ± 6 up over 7 percent of its composition. Some of the disaccharides in honey are
maltose, sucrose, kojibiose, turanose, isomaltose, and maltulose. In addition,
Acacia 3.00 ± 0.16 46 ± 2
honey also contains carbohydrates known as oligosaccharides. These are me-
Sugar analogue* 1.00 ± 0.16a No data dium-sized carbohydrates, containing more than three simple sugar sub-units,
often made of mono- and disaccharides.
*The sugar analogue contained 40% fructose, 30% glucose, 10% maltose
and 20% water Crystallization
Honey sometimes takes on a semi-solid state known as crystallized or granu-
+
Data from: Gheldof N and Engeseth NJ. Antioxidant capacity of honeys from lated honey. This natural phenomenon happens when glucose, one of three
various floral sources based on the determination of oxygen radical absorbance main sugars in honey, spontaneously precipitates out of the supersaturated
capacity and inhibition of in vitro lipoprotein oxidation in human serum samples. honey solution. Honey crystallizes because it is a supersaturated solution. This
J Agric Food Chem. 2002;50:3050-3055. supersaturated state occurs because there is so much sugar in honey (more
than 70%) relative to the water content (often less than 20%). Glucose tends to
a
ORAC values of all honeys were significantly greater than that for the sugar precipitate out of solution and the solution changes to the more stable saturated
analogue. state.
Diabetes Fermentation
In the past, people with diabetes were advised to avoid “simple sugars” Fermentation in honey is caused by osmophilic yeasts. It will not occur in
including honey. It was thought that consuming simple sugars would cause a honey that has a carbohydrate content > 83%, a moisture content < 17.1%, a
sharp and rapid elevation in blood glucose levels and an overwhelming insulin storage temperature < 52° F (11° C), or that has been heat-treated. Properly
demand. Some even speculated that eating simple sugars could cause diabetes, extracted, treated and stored honey should not ferment.
a notion that has not been supported by scientific research. In fact, research
has shown that some complex carbohydrates raise blood glucose levels more Flavor Enhancement
significantly than certain simple sugars (see Glycemic Index). Both honey and The carbohydrates found in honey have the ability to improve the intensity of
sucrose have been shown to produce a lower glucose response than starchy desirable flavors and reduce the intensity of others. Honey enhances sweetness
foods such as white bread. Moreover, it has been shown that the total amount intensity, decreases sourness, decreases the bitterness intensity and increases
of carbohydrate consumed is probably more important than the type of carbo- the acceptability of savory products by modifying saltiness perception.
hydrate when it comes to blood sugar levels. Thus, experts agree that diabetics
may include moderate amounts of “simple sugars” in a balanced diet.6 Floral Sources
There are over 300 floral sources for honey in the United States, including
Dried Honey clover, alfalfa, buckwheat and orange blossom. Honey’s color and flavor vary
Dried honey products available commercially for industrial use are derived with its floral source.
from pure liquid honey (1) to which have been added processing aids and other
ingredients, (2) which has been dried to a low moisture content, and (3) which in Freezing Point Depression
most cases has been converted to a free-flowing product. Processing aids and 15% honey solution: 29.44 to 29.25 °F (-1.42 to -1.53 °C). A 68% honey
other ingredients are added to keep the dried honey free-flowing and to modify solution freezes at 21.6 °F (-5.78 °C).
and enhance the functionality of the product.

Enzymes
Honey naturally contains small amounts of enzymes that are introduced into
honey by the bees during various phases of the honey manufacturing process.
The predominant enzymes in honey are diastase (amylase), invertase (α-glu-
cosi-dase) and glucose oxidase. Other enzymes such as catalase and acid
phosphatase, are generally present in lesser amounts. While enzyme type is
fairly uniform across honey varieties the amount of enzyme present can vary
widely7. Enzymes play an important role in honey and contribute to its func-
tional properties.

Table 2

Common names Name Chemical reactions catalyzed

Diastase, Amylase α- and β-amylase transforms starch to other carbohydrates
(dextrins, oligo-, di- and monosaccharides)
Invertase , Sucrase,
Sucrose Hydrolase, α-glucosidase converts sucrose to glucose and fructose (invert sugar)
Saccharase

Glucose Oxidase belong to the peroxidases group converts glucose to gluconolactone,

which in turn yields gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide

Catalase belong to the oxidoreductases group converts peroxide to water and oxygen

Acid Phosphatase removes phosphate from organic phosphates

Protease group of protein hydrolases hydrolyzes proteins and polypeptides to

yield peptides of lower molecular weight

Esterase belong to the hydrolases group breaks down ester bonds

β-glucosidase8 converts β-glucans to oligosaccharides and glucose (β bonds)

Functional Characteristics
Applications

Characteristics Functions Bakery Beverages Cereals Confections Dairy Meats Sauces Snacks Spreads
Antimicrobial Properties Delays Spoilage x x x x x x
Carbohydrate Composition Flavor Enhancement x x x x x
Color Coloring Agent x x x
Composition Decrease Burn Perception x x x
Crystallization Texture x x
Flavor Flavoring Agent x x x x x x x x x
Humectancy Adds Moisture x x x
Hygroscopic Retains Moisture x x
Lower Freezing Point Freezing Point Depression x x
Low Glycemic Index Reduces Rebound Hypoglycemia x x
Miscibility Water Soluble x x x x
Maillard Reaction Precursors Antioxidation x
Nutrition Healthy Appeal x x x x x x x
pH Balance Inhibits Bacterial Growth x x
Preservation Slows Staling x
Pro-biotic Enhances Bifidobacteria x
Proteins Clarification x
Pumpable Extrudable x x x x
Reducing Sugars Enhances Browning x x x x x
Spreadability Improves Reduced-fat Products x x x x x
Viscosity Binding Agent x x x x x x
Water Activity Extends Shelf-life x x x

Glycemic Index Heat Treatment

Glycemic Index (GI) is defined as the incremental area under the blood glu- Honey is heat-treated to prevent unwanted fermentation by osmophilic yeasts
cose response curve of a 50 g portion of a test food expressed as a percentage and to delay crystallization. One common heat treatment is 170 °F (77 °C) for
of the response to the same amount of a reference food (generally white bread or two minutes followed by rapid cooling to 130 °F (54 °C). Other effective treat-
glucose). In other words, the GI describes the rate and extent to which 50 grams ments include heating honey to 140 °F (60 °C) for 30 minutes or 160 °F (71 °C)
of a carbohydrate-rich food will raise blood glucose levels. for one minute or some straight line gradient between those two temperatures.
It has been hypothesized that floral variety can impact the GI of honey due, at Honey may be damaged by too much heat.
least in part, to differences in the simple sugar concentrations (particularly the
fructose:glucose ratio). According to the most recently published International HMF
Table of Glycemic Index Values (Foster-Powell et al. 2002), the GIs for honeys Hydroxymethylfurfural (5-hydroxymethyl-2 furalde-hyde), also called HMF,
from different floral varieties and origins (including Australia, Canada, and Ro- is a compound that results from the breakdown of simple sugars (such as glu-
mania) ranges from 35-87. Researchers at San Diego State University recently cose or fructose) at pH 5 or lower. HMF occurs naturally in honey, especially in
examined the GI of four US honeys varying in fructose:glucose ratio (Ischayek warm climates.
et al. 2005). The average GI value for the honeys was 72.6 and there were no
significant differences between the four honey varieties indicating that small Infant Botulism
differences in fructose: glucose ratio do not impact the GI of honey. Infant botulism is a rare but serious paralytic disease caused by the microor-
ganism Clostridium botulinum. After ingestion, C. botulinum spores can germi-
Grades nate, grow and produce toxin in the lower bowel of some infants under one year
The USDA sets standards for extracted honey. These voluntary standards, of age. C. botulinum spores are widely distributed in nature. They can be found
made effective in 1985, are a point system based upon water content, flavor and in soil, dust, the air and raw agricultural products. Honey is also a potential
aroma, clarity and absence of defects. source of C. botulinum spores. Infants are susceptible to infant botulism until
Minimum Total Solids (%) Maximum WaterContent (%) their intestinal microflora develop. Children and adults with normal intestinal
Grade A 81.4 18.6 microflora are able to ingest C. botulinum spores without harm. The National
Grade B 81.4 18.6 Honey Board, along with other health organizations, recommends that honey not
Grade C 80.0 20.0 be fed to infants under one year of age.
Microbiology tant to maintaining optimal gastrointestinal health. Bifidobacteria populations in
Honey has antimicrobial properties that discourage the growth or persistence the gut can be increased by consuming probiotics or prebiotics. A probiotic is
of many microorganisms. The microbes that may be found in honey are primar- a live microbial feed supplement which beneficially affects the host organism by
ily yeasts and spore-forming bacteria. No vegetative forms of disease-causing improving its intestinal microbial balance. A prebiotic is a non-digestible dietary
bacterial spores have been found in honey. Because bacteria do not replicate in supplement that modifies the balance of the intestinal microflora thereby stimu-
honey, if high numbers of vegetative bacteria were to be detected, it may indicate lating the growth and/or activity of the beneficial bacteria while suppressing the
contamination from a secondary source. growth of the harmful bacteria. The most common prebiotics are nondigestible
oligosaccharides including fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), galacto-oligosac-
Nutrient Values Table 3 charides (GOS), and inulin. Honey contains a variety of oligosaccharides that
may function as prebiotics. Research conducted at Michigan State University
Nutrient Average amount per Average amount
has shown that adding honey to fermented dairy products such as yogurt can
1 Tbsp. serving (21 g) per 100 g
enhance the growth, activity, and viability of Bifidobacteria as well as other
Water 3.6 g 17.1 g
commercial oligosaccharides.
Total Carbohydrates 17.3 g 82.4 g
Fructose 8.1 g 38.5 g
Glucose 6.5 g 31.0 g Refractive Index
Maltose 1.5 g 7.2 g The moisture, or conversely
Information for nutritional labeling* the soluble solids in honey, is
Total Calories (kilocalories) 64 304 determined by measuring the
Total Calories (kilocalories) (from fat) 0 0 refractive index of honey us-
Total Fat 0 0 ing a refractometer. Because
Saturated Fat 0 0 the refractive index of honey is
Cholesterol 0 0
different from that of a sucrose
Sodium 0.6 mg 2.85 mg
solution at the same concentra-
Total Carbohydrates 17 g 81 g
Sugars 16 g 76 g tion, a special moisture chart
Dietary Fiber 0 0 must be used. This chart is
Protein 0.15 mg 0.7 mg found in AOAC Method 969.38
Vitamins (see Analytical Methods). Using
Thiamin < 0.002 mg < 0.01 mg the “Brix” or “Sucrose” scale
Riboflavin <0.06 mg < 0.3 mg will provide inaccurate values
Niacin <0.06 mg < 0.3 mg for honey.
Biotin N/A N/A
Pantothenic Acid <0.05 mg < 0.25 mg
Specific Gravity
Vitamin B-12 N/A N/A
Vitamin C 0.1 mg 0.5 mg Dependent upon water content:
Vitamin A 0 0 Water Content (%) Specific Gravity (20 °C)
Vitamin D 0 0 15 1.4350
Vitamin E 0 0 18 1.4171
Minerals Other factors such as floral source slightly affect the specific gravity of honey.
Calcium 1.0 mg 4.8 mg Honeys from different origins or batches should be thoroughly mixed to avoid
Iron 0.05 mg 0.25 mg layering.
Zinc 0.03 mg 0.15 mg
Potassium 11.0 mg 50.0 mg
Specific Heat & Thermal Conductivity
Phosphorous 1.0 mg 5.0 mg
The specific heat of honey is in the 0.54-0.60 cal/g/°C range for liquid honey,
Magnesium 0.4 mg 2.0 mg
Selenium 0.002 mg 0.01 mg and is equal to 0.73 cal/g/°C for finely granulated honey. The thermal conduc-
Copper 0.01 mg 0.05 mg tivity of honey increases with temperature and total solids, ranging from 118 x
Chromium 0.005 mg 0.02 mg 10 -5 to 143 x 10 -5 cal/cm sec °C.
Manganese 0.03 mg 0.15 mg
Ash 0.04 g 0.2 g Sports Nutrition
*Contains less than 2% of the Daily Value for vitamin A, vitamin C, iron and calcium It is well-known that carbohydrate consumption prior to, during and after
exercise enhances performance and speeds recovery. Honey is a natural source
Pre- and Pro-biotics of readily available carbohydrates, providing 17 grams of carbohydrates per
Bifidobacteria are a subclass of a group of bacteria considered important to tablespoon and may serve as an inexpensive alternative to commercial sports
the health of the gastrointestinal tract hence they are often referred to as “good gels. Preliminary data from the University of Memphis Exercise and Sports Nu-
bacteria” (Tanyak 1999). Increasing populations of these “good bacteria” (and trition Laboratory suggest that honey is as effective as glucose for carbohydrate
suppressing potentially deleterious microorganisms) are thought to be impor- replacement during endurance exercise.
Storage
At room temperature, crystallization begins within weeks or months (but
rarely days). The crystallization process can be avoided with proper storage,
with emphasis on proper storage temperature. For long-term storage, the use of
air-tight, moisture-resistant stainless steel drums is recommended.
Cool temperatures [below 50°F (10°C)] are ideal for preventing crystalliza-
tion. Moderate temperatures [50-70°F (10-21°C)] generally encourage crystal-
lization. Warm temperatures [70-81°F (21-27°C)] discourage crystallization
but degrade the honey. Very warm temperatures [over 81°F (27°C)] prevent
crystallization but encourage spoilage by fermentation as well as degrading the
honey.

Sweetness
In most honeys, fructose predominates and tends to make honey taste slightly
sweeter than sugar. On the average, honey is 1 to 1.5 times sweeter (on a dry
weight basis) than sugar.

Viscosity
The viscosity of honey is affected by temperature, moisture content and floral
source. Table 4 shows how the viscosity changes as temperature, moisture
content and floral source change. The viscosity of honey decreases rapidly as
its temperature rises. 1% moisture is equivalent to about 3.5°C in its effect on
viscosity.

Table 4
Water Content Viscosity (poise) at 25°C
15.5 % 138.0
17.1 % 69.0
18.2 % 48.1
19.1 % 34.9
20.2 % 20.4

Temperature (°C) Viscosity (poise) at 25°C

13.7 600.0 (16.1% H20)
29.0 68.4
39.4 21.4
48.1 10.7
71.1 2.6

Floral Source Viscosity (poise) at 25°C

(16.5% H 2 O)
Sage 115.0
Clover 87.5
White Clover 94.0

Water Activity
Honey’s water activity varies between 0.5 (16% moisture) and 0.6 (18.3%
moisture) in the 40-100 °F (4-37 °C) temperature range.
References
1
Mundo MA, Padilla-Zakour OI, Worobo RW. Growth inhibition of foodborne pathogens and food spoilage organisms by select raw honeys.
International Journal of Food Microbiology. 2004
2
Wahdan HAL. Causes of the antimicrobial activity of honey. Infection. 1998;26:30-35.
3
Honey A Source of Antioxidants Journal of Apicultural Research, 1998;37:221-225
4
USDA. 1962. White, J.W. Jr. et al. Composition of American Honeys. Tech. Bull. 1261. Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Washington, DC.
5
White, J.W. Jr. 1980. Detection of Honey Adulteration by Carbohydrate Analysis. JAOAC. 63(1):11-18.
6
Sweeteners & Desserts. 2005. American Diabetes Association. http://www.diabetes.org/nutrition-and-recipes/nutrition/sweeteners.jsp
7
White, J.W. Jr. 1978. Honey. Advances in Food Research 24:288.
8
Low, N.H. et al. 1986. A New Enzyme, β-glucosidase, in Honey. Journal of Apicultural Research 25(3):178.

Gheldof N and Engeseth NJ. Antioxidant capacity of honeys from various floral sources based on the determination of oxygen radical absorbance capacity
and inhibition of in vitro lipoprotein oxidation in human serum samples. J Agric Food Chem. 2002;50:3050-3055.

Gheldof N, Wang, XH, Engeseth NJ. Identification and quantification of antioxidant components of honeys from various floral sources. J Agric Food Chem.
2002;50:5870-5877.

Foster-Powell K, Holt SHA, Brand-Miller JC. International table glycemic index and glycemic load: 2002. Am J Clin Nutr. 2002;76:5-56.

Ischayek J, Kern M. Glycemic Indexes of US Honeys Varying in Glucose and Fructose Content. (abstr). Accepted for presentation at the 2005 Experimental
Biology meeting

Tannock J. Probiotics: A Critical Review. Norfolk, England. Horizon Scientific Press. 1999, pp 1-3.
11409 Business Park Circle, Ste. 210 / Firestone, CO 80504 / (303) 776-2337 / fax (303) 776-1177 / www.honey.com / www.honeylocator.com

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