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Summary
The objective of this study was to assess the quality of locally produced honey from different areas in Western Sudan. Thirty honey samples, originated from five well-known honey producing locations (Kabum, Songo, Kerte, Om Dafoug and Wadi Salih) in Western Sudan, were purchased from the local market of Nyala city. The analysis included moisture content, total solids, ash and concentrations of selected minerals (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn). Values recorded for moisture content ranged from 13.0±2.4 % (Wadi Salih) to 14.2±3.2% (Om Dafoug), total solids 84.2±5.39% (Kabum) to 87±1.5% (Wadi Salih), ash 1.0±0.001% (Kabum) to 1.8±0.05 % (Kerte). Potassium was the most abundant element ranging from 9.2±7.2 ppm (Wadi Salih) to 19.9±4.1ppm (Songo), followed by Calcium [0.38±0.2ppm (Wadi Salih) to 14.3±6.5ppm (Sango)], Fe [2.49± 1.7ppm (Om Dafoug) to 6.02±3.8 ppm (Kabum - Songo)], Na [1.39±0.001 ppm (Wadi Salih) to 6.77±0.001 ppm (Kabum)], Mg [0.1±00.01 ppm (Songo) - 0.5±0.04 ppm (Kabum)] and Zn [0.05±.001 ppm (Wadi Salih) to 0.065±0.01ppm (Kabum)]. Result indicated significant (p≤0.05) variations among the mean values of Ca, Mg, K and Na contents of honey samples produced in the various areas. Results obtained from this study show, however, that moisture, total solids, Mg, Ca and Fe contents of honey in some study areas conform to the international standards. On the contrary, some areas showed altered parameters, reflecting possible adulteration.
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