Physicochemical properties of fifteen flower honey samples from five districts in Türkiye

This study analyzed the physicochemical characteristics, mineral composition, and antioxidant potential of fifteen floral honey samples collected from five districts of Gümüşhane, Türkiye. The average values for moisture (17.44 g/100 g), insoluble solids (0.04 g/100 g), conductivity (0.35 mS/cm), diastase activity (54.15 DN), free acidity (38.18 meq/kg), and fructose + glucose content (68.95 g/100 g) were mostly within the acceptable limits defined by national honey standards. Proline content ranged from 562.66 to 1466.15 mg/kg, while hydroxymethylfurfural (0.37–18.89 mg/kg) confirmed the freshness of all samples. Potassium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium were identified as the major mineral elements in the analyzed honey samples, with considerable variation observed among samples collected from different districts. Antioxidant activity (Total phenolic content (mg GAE/100 g): 9.21–98.25; SC₅₀ (mg/mL): 5.23–41.29) revealed a strong antioxidant potential of Gümüşhane honeys. This work provides the first detailed characterization of Gümüşhane honeys, confirming their high physicochemical quality, rich mineral profile, and notable antioxidant potential, and underscores their value as a distinctive regional product with functional and commercial significance.