*2.4. Measurements of Color Parameters in L \* a \* b \* and X Y Z Systems*

The color of honey is one of the first features assessed by consumers.

Tristimulus colorimetry was instrumentally used to assess the color of honey. Color parameters L \* a \* b \* were determined in the international CIE (Commission Internationale de l'Éclairage) system. The color is expressed in the CIE L \* a \* b \* system, where L \* is the lightness, and the a \* and b \* coordinates indicate the contribution of green (negative a \* values), red (positive a \*), blue (negative b \* values) and yellow (b \* values positive) [55,85–87].

This method requires properly prepared honey, which should be liquid with no signs of crystallization; otherwise, the test results may be different. The test is quick and easy to perform, but one should remember about the cost of purchasing the equipment and ensuring the repeatability of the test [85,86].
