Bacandritsos, N., Sabatini, A.G., Papanastasiou, I., & Saitanis, C. 2006 Physico-chemical characteristics of Greek fir honeydew honey from Marchalina hellenica (GEN.) in comparison to other Mediterranean honeydew honeys.. Italian Journal of Food Science 18(1): 21-31.

Notes: The first samples of recently produced fir honeydew honey, obtained from Marchalina hellenica (Gennadius) (Homoptera, Coccoidea, Margarodidae), originating from Mount Helmos in Greece were analysed and examined on the basis of physical and chemical parameters including humidity, acidity, sugar profile, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and diastase activity. These data were compared with five other Mediterranean honeydew honeys of different origin obtained from the literature. Analytical data of the Greek fir honey from M. hellenica honeydew complied with the E.U. legal limits. The sensorial analysis indicated that the organoleptic characteristics of this type of honeydew honey were very similar to the Greek fir honey derived from other coccids with respect to colour, taste and smell. The statistical analysis of the physico-chemical parameters of the six honey types revealed two major groups. One group consisted of three Greek honeys and the other included one Spanish and two Italian honeys. It also showed a marked similarity between the two Greek honeys that came from M. hellenica honeydew on either fir or pine trees.