In this study honey samples produced in the southwest of Bahia were characterized based on physicochemical and mineral (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Mn, Fe and Zn) composition. The metals were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The application of multivariate analysis showed that the honey colors are consequence of the mineral and physicochemical compositions. The darkest honey samples are characterized by higher values of pH and for presenting a strong relationship with Ca and Fe content.

Neste trabalho, amostras de mel produzidas em três diferentes regiões climáticas do Sudoeste da Bahia, Brasil (semi-árido, Mata Atlântica e Zona de Transição Climática) foram caracterizadas com base nos teores de minerais, elementos traços, cinzas e condutividade elétrica. Os metais foram determinados por espectrometria de absorção atômica. Com a finalidade de avaliar as variáveis químicas capazes de promover uma caracterização do mel produzido em cada região, as técnicas de cluster e componentes principais (ACP) foram aplicadas nos resultados das análises. Com base nas análises de cluster e ACP, foi possível distinguir os diferentes grupos de amostras correspondentes às três origens geográficas dos méis. A elevada correlação observada entre a condutividade elétrica e Cu nas amostras das zonas de transição climática, sugere que essas variáveis estão associadas, e esse fato pode ser atribuído ao uso de cobre na cafeicultura que é a principal atividade agrícola desenvolvida nessa região.

In this study, samples of honey produced in three different regional climates in the southwest Bahia, Brazil (semi-arid, Atlantic and Transitional Forest Zones) were characterized on the basis of their mineral and trace elements, ash content and electrical conductivity. The metals were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The cluster and principal component analysis (PCA) methods were applied to the chemical concentration data in order to study the chemistry variables capable of promoting a characterization of the honey produced in each area. Cluster analysis and PCA distinguishes the different groups of honey samples corresponding to each region of the three geographical origins. The high correlation between electrical conductivity and Cu observed in honey samples from transitional forest zones suggested a coupling to the nutrient cycle, and can be attributed to use of copper compounds in coffee production, a major activity developed in all transitional forest zones.