Mineral composition of New Zealand monofloral honeys
The objective of this study was to determine the mineral content in ten New Zealand monofloral honeys, in order to distinguish whether New Zealand monofloral honeys are a good source of minerals compared to honeys from other parts of the world. The ten monofloral honeys were collected from a local honey factory (Airborne Honey Ltd, Leeston), Clover, Honeydew, Kamahi, Manuka, Nodding Thistle, Rata, Rewarewa, Tawari, Thyme and Vipers Bugloss honeys were been investigated. The water content, water activity, pH, conductivity, colour and mineral content were evaluated. The water activity was averaged for all the ten New Zealand monofloral honeys and set to 0.59 aw, which indicates a high stability and long shelf life as a food stuff. A strong correlation between total mineral content, pH, conductivity and colour was obtained. Higher mineral content gives a higher pH, lower conductivity and a darker colour of the honeys. Alltogether 18 different minerals were found in the New Zealand monofloral honeys, Al, As, B, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Zn. The most abundant minerals were potassium, phosphorus and calcium with the values ranging between 34.8 - 3637.6, 29.5 - 255.3 and 7.21 - 94.31 mg/kg respectively. The amount of lead found in New Zealand monofloral honeys was low ranging between 0.01- 0.04 mg/kg.