Use of Rheometeric Instrument for Analysis of Pure Honey and Jaggery Mixture

Abstract: The present work refers to an investigation of the rheological behavior of the pure honey mixed with different percentages of Jaggery. Through this rheological study, it is possible to differentiate pure honey and Jaggery adulterated honey. In this work curves such stress induces with shear rate applied, Flow of samples was examined, all samples shows Newtonian fluid behavior. Due to adulteration moisture content increase and shelf life of honey decreases. This rheological study can be helpful in prediction of adulteration in honey and determination its shelf life. The experiments were accomplished in a PAR PHYSICA MCR Rheometer, with geometry, ConePlate and Double Gap Cylinder sensor system.

Keywords: Honey Adulteration, Rheology, Jaggery, Shelf life, Refractive index of honey.

INTRODUCTION

Honey, a viscous and aromatic natural product appreciated since ancient Vedic times, is prepared by bees mainly from the nectar of flowers or honeydew [1].The characteristic nutritional value, texture, appearance, flavor sweetness and medicinal properties have attracted thousands of customers to use it as food item, alternate medicine [2-4]. Due to its antibacterial activity honey can also be used in skin infections and burns [5]. Honey is premium and expensive due to high demand and shorter supply, since it is natural can be produced only by honey bees not by any industrial process, peoples use to make profit by adulterating it with cheap compositions of sugar and sell it on higher price without concerning about the effect on consumer’s health. Previously researchers have made numerous attempts and developed the different techniques to detect adulteration in honey. Near Infra Red spectroscopy (NIR) together with chemometrics [6-8]. In the present work, we used samples of honey and Jaggery solution mixed. The honey producers use this composition to increase production and make more money. We can find even 50% of Jaggery mixed with honey being sold. The following ratios in the tests were used: 5%, 10%, 20% of Jaggery solution added to pure honey (wild flora). Besides, tests were realized with pure honey and, with different % Jaggery solution added to pure honey
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