EVALUATION OF THE PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF NATURAL HONEY COLLECTED IN VARIOUS REGIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN

Аннотация

This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the physicochemical and organoleptic characteristics of 26 natural honey samples collected from different regions of Kazakhstan. The main objective was to assess honey quality in accordance with GOST 19792–2017 standards and to establish a reliable database that could serve as the foundation for developing organic beekeeping practices in the country. The analysis included the determination of moisture content, reducing sugars, sucrose, free acidity, pH level, and diastase activity.

The results demonstrated that the majority of samples complied with national standards and exhibited attributes of maturity and authenticity. Reducing sugar content ranged from 73.04% to 98.78%, with several samples exceeding the international Codex Alimentarius minimum threshold of 65%, confirming their natural composition. Diastase activity reached up to 33.29 Göthe units, indicating high enzymatic activity and the absence of heat treatment. Nevertheless, certain deviations were observed: in some samples sucrose levels approached the upper permissible limit, while diastase numbers fell below 5 Göthe units, suggesting possible technological impact or prolonged storage. Acidity values (12–46 meq/kg) and pH levels (3.72– 4.74) remained within acceptable ranges, reflecting stable microbiological conditions.

These findings emphasize the importance of regional monitoring of honey quality and support the development of a national certification system for organic honey in Kazakhstan. The results also highlight the export potential of Kazakh honey and demonstrate the capacity of specific regions to produce high- quality, mature, and enzymatically active honey suitable for organic certification