Linear Regression Model of the Ash Mass Fraction and Electrical Conductivity for Slovenian Honey 

Urška Kropf*, Mojca Jamnik, Jasna Bertoncelj and Terezija Golob

Department of Food Science and Technology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Article history:
Received November 10, 2006
Accepted November 14, 2007

Key words:
honey, ash, electrical conductivity, linear regression model

Summary:
Mass fraction of ash is a quality criterion for determining the botanical origin of honey. At present, this parameter is generally being replaced by the measurement of electrical conductivity (κ). The value κ depends on the ash and acid content of honey; the higher their content, the higher the resulting conductivity. A linear regression model for the relationship between ash and electrical conductivity has been established for Slovenian honey by analysing 290 samples of Slovenian honey (including acacia, lime, chestnut, spruce, fir, multifloral and mixed forest honeydew honey). The obtained model differs from the one proposed by the International Honey Commission (IHC) in the slope, but not in the section part of the relation formula. Therefore, the Slovenian model is recommended when calculating the ash mass fraction from the results of electrical conductivity in samples of Slovenian honey.

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