Pine Honey as a Distinct Functional Honeydew Product with Unique Composition, Bioactivity and Sustainability
Kitapta bölümler > Diğer · 2026
Yazarlar: Ekin Varol, Banu Yücel
Honey and Propolis - A Scientific Overview [Working Title], Diğer, IntechOpen, B, Uluslararası, 2026, ,
DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.1017775
Özet
Pine honey, a distinctive honey produced primarily in Mediterranean regions, particularly in Türkiye, is a beekeeping product with notable compositional and biological properties. Unlike flower honeys derived from nectar, pine honey originates from the secretions of insects – primarily the species Marchalina hellenica – that feed on the sap secreted by pine trees (Pinus brutia and Pinus nigra). This distinct origin leads to a chemical profile that differs significantly from other types of nectar-based honeys. Pine honey is characterized by low levels of simple sugars, high electrical conductivity, and high mineral content, combined with a rich array of phenolic compounds and bioactive components. This composition contributes to its significant biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. Compared with floral honeys, pine honey exhibits greater stability and a distinct functional profile, making it a promising candidate for health-related applications. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of pine honey, focusing particularly on its compositional uniqueness, physicochemical properties, and biological characteristics. Comparative aspects between pine honey and flower honeys are given special emphasis; key differences in sugar profile, enzyme activity, mineral composition, and bioactive compounds are highlighted. Additionally, to provide a deeper understanding of the quality and authenticity of pine honey, recent advances in analytical techniques for its characterization, such as chromatographic and spectroscopic methods, are discussed. Bringing together the latest scientific knowledge, this section aims to highlight the functional importance of pine honey, its potential as a natural bioactive product in nutrition and health, and its contribution to sustainable beekeeping and ecosystem management.