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When Floral Availability Fails to Predict Bee Foraging: Melissopalynological, Physicochemical, Phenolic, and Aroma Characterization of a Misclassified ‘Onion Honey’ Sample

Sayı: 2026 27 Eylül 2026
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When Floral Availability Fails to Predict Bee Foraging: Melissopalynological, Physicochemical, Phenolic, and Aroma Characterization of a Misclassified ‘Onion Honey’ Sample

Öz

Honey composition is strongly influenced by its floral origin, which determines its physicochemical properties, aroma profile, and bioactive capacity. This study aimed to characterize honey produced in the vicinity of onion (Allium cepa L.) fields. Melissopalynological analysis revealed that the sample contained a diverse pollen spectrum, dominated by Sinapis (28%) and Sanguisorba (14%), while onion pollen was detected only at trace levels (5%). Physicochemical parameters, including moisture (20%), pH (4.15), electrical conductivity (357 µS/cm), proline (473 mg/kg), and HMF (6.21 mg/kg), were within the acceptable ranges established for honey quality. Total phenolic content (0.148 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoids (0.002 mg QE/g) were low, while antioxidant assays (FRAP and DPPH) indicated moderate activity. HPLC analysis identified phenolic acids (p-hydroxybenzoic, protocatechuic, gallic, and p-coumaric acids) and flavonoids (quercetin, chrysin, pinocembrin) at varying concentrations. Volatile analysis (GC–MS) showed the presence of aldehydes, alcohols, and fatty acids in honey, while onion flower samples were dominated by sulfur-containing volatiles. These results confirm that, although onion fields contributed to nectar collection, the honey cannot be classified as monofloral “onion honey” due to trace pollen levels and the weak representation of onion-specific volatiles. The study highlights the limitations of pollen analysis for certain crops and the value of complementary chemical approaches in honey authentication.

Anahtar Kelimeler

honey, onion (Allium cepa), melissopalynology, phenolic profile, antioxidant activity, GC–MS, floral origin.

Teşekkür

The author would like to express sincere gratitude to Prof. Dr. Sevgi Kolaylı for her valuable guidance, scientific insight, and continuous support throughout the study. Special thanks are also extended to Research Assistant Yakup Kara for his technical assistance and contributions during the research process. The author furthermore wishes to thank Mustafa Yazıcı, President of the Balıkesir Beekeepers Association, for providing essential resources and facilitating access to beekeeping materials necessary for the completion of this work.

Kaynakça

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Kaynak Göster

APA
Demir Kanbur, E. (2026). When Floral Availability Fails to Predict Bee Foraging: Melissopalynological, Physicochemical, Phenolic, and Aroma Characterization of a Misclassified ‘Onion Honey’ Sample. Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences, 2026. https://doi.org/10.35229/jaes.1979837
AMA
1.Demir Kanbur E. When Floral Availability Fails to Predict Bee Foraging: Melissopalynological, Physicochemical, Phenolic, and Aroma Characterization of a Misclassified ‘Onion Honey’ Sample. Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences. 2026;(2026). doi:10.35229/jaes.1979837
Chicago
Demir Kanbur, Esra. 2026. “When Floral Availability Fails to Predict Bee Foraging: Melissopalynological, Physicochemical, Phenolic, and Aroma Characterization of a Misclassified ‘Onion Honey’ Sample”. Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences, sy 2026. https://doi.org/10.35229/jaes.1979837.
EndNote
Demir Kanbur E (01 Eylül 2026) When Floral Availability Fails to Predict Bee Foraging: Melissopalynological, Physicochemical, Phenolic, and Aroma Characterization of a Misclassified ‘Onion Honey’ Sample. Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences 2026
IEEE
[1]E. Demir Kanbur, “When Floral Availability Fails to Predict Bee Foraging: Melissopalynological, Physicochemical, Phenolic, and Aroma Characterization of a Misclassified ‘Onion Honey’ Sample”, Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences, sy 2026, Eyl. 2026, doi: 10.35229/jaes.1979837.
ISNAD
Demir Kanbur, Esra. “When Floral Availability Fails to Predict Bee Foraging: Melissopalynological, Physicochemical, Phenolic, and Aroma Characterization of a Misclassified ‘Onion Honey’ Sample”. Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences. 2026 (01 Eylül 2026). https://doi.org/10.35229/jaes.1979837.
JAMA
1.Demir Kanbur E. When Floral Availability Fails to Predict Bee Foraging: Melissopalynological, Physicochemical, Phenolic, and Aroma Characterization of a Misclassified ‘Onion Honey’ Sample. Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences. 2026. doi:10.35229/jaes.1979837.
MLA
Demir Kanbur, Esra. “When Floral Availability Fails to Predict Bee Foraging: Melissopalynological, Physicochemical, Phenolic, and Aroma Characterization of a Misclassified ‘Onion Honey’ Sample”. Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences, sy 2026, Eylül 2026, doi:10.35229/jaes.1979837.
Vancouver
1.Esra Demir Kanbur. When Floral Availability Fails to Predict Bee Foraging: Melissopalynological, Physicochemical, Phenolic, and Aroma Characterization of a Misclassified ‘Onion Honey’ Sample. Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences. 01 Eylül 2026;(2026). doi:10.35229/jaes.1979837