Physico-chemical parameters and mineral content of honey samples from Sicilian black honeybee (Apis mellifera ssp. sicula)

The Sicilian black honeybee (Apis mellifera ssp. sicula), an African subspecies of Apis mellifera, had the benefit of adapting in hot and hard lands including the regions of the Mediterranean area like Sicily (Italy). It differs from the more common Apis mellifera ssp. ligustica for both morphologic and physiologic characteristics, such as color and wing dimensions, better resistance to high temperature, higher ability of impollination, and higher physical and immunological resistance1. Recently the polyphenolic contents, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of some Sicilian honeys produced by Apis mellifera ssp. sicula have been reported2,3. The aim of this preliminary study was to investigated some physico-chemical parameters and mineral content of Sicilian honey samples produced by the local black honeybee. Furthermore, Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) values and benchmark levels were employed to assess the honey quality and safety.