Arbenita Hasani1, Manjola Kuliçi2, Endrit Hasani1, Kujtim Uka3, Blerta Nishori1 and Muhamet Zogaj1
1 Department of Food Technology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Pristina, St. Tahir Zajmi, no. 34, 10000, Pristina, Kosovo
2 Department of Food and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food, Agricultural University of Tirana, 1001, Tirana, Albania
3 Food and Veterinary Agency, Kosovo
Hasani, A., Kuliçi, M., Hasani, E., Uka, K., Nishori, B. & Zogaj, M. (2026). Influences of botanical and geographical origins on the mineral profile of honey: А comprehensive analysis. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 32(1), 210–218
Honey is a complex product of honeybees, well-known for its sweet taste, nutritional, and medicinal attributes. Enriched with a diverse array of constituents including sugars, enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, it plays a pivotal role in promoting health through stimulating metabolism, enhancing circulatory and reproductive systems, and catalyzing biochemical reactions. The intricate composition of honey is influenced by its botanical and geographical origins, climatic variations, soil composition, beekeeping practices, and the specific species of honey bee contributing to its production. This study delves into the impact of the botanical and geographical origins of honey on its macro- and micro-mineral content.
Employing flame atomic absorption spectrometry, were analyzed sixty honey samples, collected from Kosovar beekeepers, categorized by their botanical origins into mountain (n = 19), meadow (n = 26), and acacia (n = 15) types, and further classified according to their geographical origins (rural (n = 28) , suburban (n = 9), urban (n = 23)) from six main regions (Prishtina, Prizren, Gjilan, Ferizaj, Peja and Mitrovica) of Kosovo, for their content of macro-minerals (Na, Ca, K, Mg) and micro-minerals (Mn, Ni, Cu, Fe, Zn). Advanced statistical analyses, including ANOVA and various correlation tests, facilitated a comprehensive understanding of the data.
Our findings reveal a significant influence of both botanical and geographical origins on the mineral composition of honey, highlighting the intricate relationship between the natural environment and the nutritional properties of honey. This manuscript presents novelty as it is the first comprehensive study conducted in the Kosovo region, to analyze the impact of botanical and geographical origins on the mineral profile of honey, providing valuable insights previously unexplored in this context. This study underscores the importance of origin in determining the health-promoting qualities of honey, providing valuable insights for consumers, producers, and researchers alike. Additionally, it underscores the critical importance of preserving natural habitats and promoting sustainable beekeeping practices to maintain the high nutritional value of honey.