Diastase and invertase activities in Andalusian honeys

Abstract

Summary Forty‐nine samples of unheated, commercially purchased Andalusian (southern Spain) honeys were examined for diastase ( α ‐ and β ‐amylase) and invertase ( α ‐glucosidase) activities. The honeys were from Citrus sp. (5), Sunflower (2), Rosmarinus (3), Eucalyptus sp. (4) or multifloral in origin (35). Mean value for diastase was 20.48 ± 10.14 (range 3.99–49.42) expressed as diastase number in Gothe's scale, for invertase it was 12.34 ± 8.09 (range 1.2–36.8) expressed as invertase number. Correlation was found between invertase and diastase activities ( r = 0.853). These results were compared with literature data and differences are discussed.