Variation of Protein Content and Mellisopalynogical Status in the Raw and Branded Honey Samples in Chalisgaon Region, North Maharashtra, India

The aim of this study was to compare the protein content and melisopalynological characteristics of raw and branded honey from the Chalisgaon region in Jalgaon district, North Maharashtra, India. Twelve honey samples were analyzed, consisting of seven raw and five branded honey samples. The protein content in raw honey ranged from 0.92 to 1.62 g/kg, while in branded honey, it ranged from 0.56 to 0.82 g/kg. The variability in the protein content of raw honey could be attributed to differences in floral sources in both agricultural and forested areas. Mellisopalynological analysis revealed that raw honey samples contained a significant amount of pollen, while branded honey samples exhibited little or no pollen, likely because of filtration processes before packaging. The predominant pollen types (more than 45%) in raw honey included Helianthus annuus, Allium cepa, Punica granatum, Amaranthus hybridus, Parthenium hysterophorus, Launea procumbens, Terminalia arjuna, Euphorbia heterophylla, Mangifera indica, Triticum estivum, Acacia nilotica, and Zea mays, all of which are associated with major agricultural crops in the region. In conclusion, raw honey demonstrated higher protein and pollen contents, which contributed to its higher nutritional and storage value compared to branded honey. Therefore, raw honey may be preferable for consumers seeking higher nutritional benefits.