Comparative Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Monofloral Honeys from South Korea

Monofloral honeys are widely recognized for their distinct chemical characteristics which are largely influenced by botanical origin. This study aimed to compare the physicochemical and functional properties of monofloral honeys produced in South Korea. Five monofloral honey types, Castanea crenata, Robinia pseudoacacia, Toxicodendron spp., Hovenia dulcis, and Styrax japonicus, were analyzed, and their floral origins were confirmed through melissopalynological analysis. Physicochemical parameters (moisture content, total soluble solids, hydroxymethylfurfural content, stable carbon isotope ratio, free acidity, pH, color, and sugar composition), along with amino acid profiles, predicted glycemic index (GI), and antioxidant activity, were determined. Most physicochemical parameters showed statistically significant differences among honey types. Amino acid composition differed markedly among honey types, with Castanea honey exhibiting higher levels of proline, phenylalanine, and leucine compared to Robinia and Styrax honeys. Predicted GI values were predominantly within the low-GI range, with no statistically significant differences observed among floral origins. Antioxidant activity showed a similar trend to amino acid content, with Castanea honey displaying the highest antioxidant values. These findings demonstrate that botanical origin is a key determinant of the physicochemical and in vitro functional attributes of honey, including antioxidant activity and predicted GI, and provide a scientific basis for the characterization of South Korean monofloral honeys.