**2. A Review of the Methods for Assessing the Quality and Authenticity of Honeys**

The selection of the appropriate research method and interpretation of the results of quality parameters in terms of confirming the authenticity of honey is not easy. It should be remembered that honey is a unique product whose quality is influenced by many parameters. In connection with the above, a review of these methods was created, from simple methods to more advanced methods. Table 6 presents problem identification factors and groups of honey authenticity problems, with the aim of facilitating the selection of research methods. In addition, methodological limitations are indicated for each method.

The research material consisted of original research articles in the field of the quality and authenticity assessment of varietal honeys, which were published up to the first half of 2023, totaling more than 160 scientific articles. The search for the articles was carried out by entering key words, such as honey, honey authenticity, geographical origin, honey quality tests, honey storage, honey color, pollen analysis, 5-HMF, diastase number, antioxidants, spectroscopy and fluorescence. A search of publications from the last 10 years was performed, but sometimes older works were included. The condition for using older publications was the well-founded knowledge contained in them. Research databases were searched, such as Google Scholar, Science Direct, MDPI, Knovel, Applied Science & Technology Source, Scopus, Taylor and Francis online and Ebsco host.

Based on the analysis of the literature, 16 methodological groups were distinguished for research in the field of honey quality and authenticity—Table 6. Below the table, there are comments on the limitations and disadvantages of the use of individual methods.


**Table 3.** Research methods used in assessing the quality and authenticity of varietal honeys.


**Table 4.** Research methods used in assessing the quality and authenticity of varietal honeys.


**Table 5.** Research methods used in assessing the quality and authenticity of varietal honeys.


**Table 6.** Research methods used in assessing the quality and authenticity of varietal honeys.

Source: Own research.
