Honey is a natural sweet substance produced by bees from floral nectar. It is widely used in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and traditional medicine. Below are the general specifications for honey:

Physical Properties:

Appearance: Thick, viscous liquid or crystallized form

Color: Light amber to dark brown (varies based on floral source)

Odor & Taste: Pleasant, characteristic honey aroma and sweet taste

Texture: Smooth, free from lumps or impurities

Moisture Content: Max 18-20%

Solubility: Completely soluble in warm water

Chemical Properties:

Fructose Content: 38-42%

Glucose Content: 28-32%

Sucrose Content: Max 5%

Total Reducing Sugars (Fructose + Glucose): Min 65%

Acidity: 0.2 - 0.5% (expressed as formic acid)

Ash Content: Max 0.5%

pH: 3.5 - 5.5

Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF): Max 40 mg/kg (as per international standards)

Diastase Activity (Amylase): Min 8 DN (Diastase Number)

Proline Content: Min 180 mg/kg (indicator of natural honey)

Microbiological Standards:

Total Plate Count: Max 1,000 CFU/g

Yeast & Mold: Max 200 CFU/g

Coliforms: Absent

E. Coli: Absent

Salmonella: Absent

Clostridium Botulinum: Absent

Contaminants & Adulterants:

Pesticide Residues: As per country-specific regulations (FSSAI, EU, FDA)

Heavy Metals:

Lead (Pb): <0.1 ppm

Cadmium (Cd): <0.05 ppm

Arsenic (As): <0.1 ppm

Mercury (Hg): <0.05 ppm

Antibiotics & Drug Residues: Must be absent

Artificial Additives & Preservatives: Must be absent

Added Sugars or Glucose: Must be absent (tested by C4 sugar analysis)

Applications of Honey:

Food Industry: Used in bakery, confectionery, dairy, beverages, and cereals

Pharmaceuticals & Ayurveda: Used in cough syrups, herbal medicines, and wound healing

Cosmetics & Personal Care: Used in skincare, hair care, and beauty products

Beverages: Used in herbal teas, energy drinks, and fermented honey drinks

Industrial Use: Used in fermentation, alcoholic beverages, and honey-based syrups