An evaluation was done on the physicochemical quality of nineteen (n=19) Apis mellifera
honeys produced in the Lima Valley, Portugal. The rural landscape of the Lima Valley is
valuable in social, environmental and economic terms and its conservation and preservation
are essential. The evaluated physicochemical characteristics were: moisture, ash, electrical
conductivity, pH, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), free acidity, apparent sucrose, reducing
sugars and diastase activity. All honey samples met the International physicochemical
quality standards. A short study of pollen source was done by acetolisis method. The
families Fabaceae and Rosaceae were found with 6 and 2 pollen types each respectively.
The most important pollen source is Erica, moreover two samples are listed as Erica
monofloral honey.
