2.3.5. Color Analysis

Color measurements were performed using a color photometer (Hanna, HI 96785, USA), that measures the light transmittance of honey compared to analytical-grade glycerol. Honey samples of about 2 g were warmed gently in an ultrasound bath for a few minutes at 35 ◦C. The liquid honeys without air bubbles were transferred into a plastic cuvette and the color was read. Color grades were expressed in millimeters (mm) Pfund scale [24].

### 2.3.6. Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) after White

For the estimation of HMF content after White, a UV-VIS Spectrophotometer (Shimadzu, UV-1700, Japan) was employed according to the 'Harmonised Methods of the IHC' [38]. The method determines the concentration of 5-(hydroxymethyl-)furan-2-carbaldehyde. Results were expressed in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg).

### 2.3.7. Diastase Activity (DN) after Schade

The procedure followed was in accordance with the respective method of IHC. For each sample of honey, a repeater was prepared to achieve accuracy in the result and calculate the repeatability (r). The unit of measurement of the enzyme is the unit DN (diastase number) which corresponds to the amount of enzyme needed for breaking down 0.01 g of starch in 1 h at 40 ◦C [38].
