Abstract

Apiculture is income generating activity that has known a real development in Burkina Faso. The quantity of honey produced was more and more increased. Unfortunately, data on physicochemical characteristics were scare. Honey samples collected from beekeepers since 2001 to 2005 and stored in the laboratory at temperature between 35 to 40°C and at the moisture between 50 to 60%, and some bought in the market in 2007 have been analysed according to the harmonised methods of European Honey Commission. The physicochemical characteristics as moisture, Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), acidity, electrical conductivity, pH, diastase, colour and sugars content of the honey samples were significantly different even though storage conditions affect honey physicochemical characteristics and reduced considerably the deadline for consummation to one year in the tropics, but they fulfilled the Codex Alimentarius norms except theGourma (Go) sample, which can be considered as deteriorated honey. Two samples were honeydew honeys.

Key words: Burkina Faso, honey, physicochemical analysis, beekeeping.