Influence of the Botanical and Geographical Origin on the Mineral Composition of Honey

Elemental composition was analysed to determine the effect of the botanical and geographical origin on the mineral content in black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.), chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.), and lime (Tilia spp.) honey. The study included 174 samples from three different geographical and climatic regions in Croatia. A total of 15 elements were analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The highest total mineral content was determined in chestnut honey samples, followed by the lime and black locust honey samples, in descending order of presence: K, Ca, Na, Mg, Mn and Fe. A good potential of marking the botanical origin was confirmed on the basis of increased contents of Mn and Sr in chestnut honey. Increased concentrations of Pb and Zn determined in honey samples from the Pannonian Region showed to be a good basis for demarcation of the geographical origin. The content of some heavy metals in honey were low (Median: Cd < 0.005 mg/kg; Pb 0.015 mg/kg; Ni 0.083 mg/kg; Zn 1.362 mg/kg; with no harmful health effects)