Effects and mechanisms of natural deep eutectic solvents on the Decrystallization and quality of multifloral honey

This study proposes natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) to address the limitations of conventional honey decrystallization methods. Under mild conditions (30 °C), the decrystallization rate exceeded 70%. With a higher dosage, this rate approached approximately 90% (P < 0.05). NMR, IR, and DSC analyses revealed a stable hydrogen-bond network in NADESs. The spectra exhibited only shifts in peak intensity and position, with no new compounds detected. Cytotoxicity tests further demonstrated that these solvents are biocompatible. In multifloral honey, the addition of NADESs lowered the 5-hydroxymethylfurfural content from 13.81 μg/mL to about 7 μg/mL. This equals a roughly 40% reduction (P < 0.05). Moreover, the in vitro antioxidant activity of the honey was strengthened. Further analyses-including XRD, polarized light microscopy, and metabolomics-revealed decreased crystal content, stronger hydrogen bonding, and an enrichment of flavor-related metabolites. Collectively, these results demonstrate that NADESs provide a new strategy for honey decrystallization.