Determination of electrical conductivity in honey

Honey conductivity is an important criterion for the determination of its botanical origin and therefore it is very often measured during the usual honey quality and authenticity control.

Honey contains organic acids and minerals, compounds that are “electrically conductive”, i.e. compounds that, when in solution, can conduct electricity.

The electrical conductivity of honey is related to the concentration of trace elements, organic acids, and proteins, as well as the storage time in the cell.

According to legislation, the following values apply:

• Conductivity ≥ 0.8 mS/cm corresponds to honey from honeydew, chestnut blossoms, and mixtures of these honeys, except for the following occasions (or mixtures thereof): honey from Arbutusunedo, Erica, Eucalyptus, Tiliaspp, Callundvulgaris, Manuka or Jellybush (leptospermum), Melaleucaspp.
• Conductivity < 0.8 mS/cm corresponds to honeys not mentioned above or mixtures thereof.
• In particular, for the identification of pure Greek honeys, the following apply:
• Pine honey ≥ 0.9 mS/cm
• Fir honey ≥ 1 mS/cm
• Chestnut blossom honey ≥ 1.1 mS/cm
• Thyme honey ≤ 0.6 mS/cm
• Orange blossom honey ≤ 0.45 mS/cm

All honey analyses are performed at Interfind’s state-of-the-art facilities and meet the high demands of our clients. Trust us to determine the conductivity of your honey as well as other characteristics, such as sugars and proline in honey.