FFPs – Frequently Faced ProblemsWhen Honey is dried conventionally, the HMF (Hydro Methyle Furfural) content in the Honey often goes upto 40% due to over heating. Honey with high moisture content is not acceptable to the Pharmaceutical Industry, where the Honey finds maximum usage. Internationally, the demand for Mono-flora Honey (Honey produced from single type of flower) is very high especially due to it’s application in the Pharmaceutical Industry. It is required with a moisture content of 19% and Hydro Methyle Furfural (HMF) content 25%. If the honey has a moisture content higher than specified, it has to be dried to achieve a moisture content of 19%.

General Recommendations: RH to be maintainedHoney is required with a moisture content of 19% and Hydro Methyle Furfural (HMF) content 25%. If the honey has a moisture content higher than specified, it has to be dried to achieve a moisture content of 19%. It is recommended that the honey is dried at 35°C to a moisture content of 19%.

SolutionsWhen the Airgineers at Bry-Air were contacted to solve the problem of over heating, they studied the conventional and current method of drying prior to recommending the solution.

Here is what they learnt:Honey is mainly of three types :

• Mono-Flora Honey - Honey produced from single type of flower• Poly Flora Honey - Produced from various types of flowers• Forest Honey - Produced from Forest Flower

Raw honey after being collected from the farmer by the processor was cleansed of all unwanted material, viz., dead bees, limbs, and parts of beehives by filtration. Then, it was dried to achieve a moisture content of 19%.

Conventional Method:

The honey is kept inside a drum and continuously stirred. Hot water is circulated through a jacket surrounding the drum filled with honey. The Honey, thus, was heated indirectly to a temperature of 65°C to bring down the moisture content to 19% from the existing 25-30%.The problem was that the HMF content goes up to over 40% due to heating over 35°C.

Bry-Air Recommendation:

The Airgineers at Bry-Air recommended that honey be spread on trays to a maximum thickness of 4 inch inside an enclosed room. Dehumidified air is then circulated inside the room, which is maintained at temperature of 35°C. The temperature being maintained by an airconditioner. This allows reduction of moisture content without raising the HMF content. It was also suggested to pack the dried honey into the containers inside the dehumidified room, so that the dried honey does not regain moisture.

References… Some • Kesriwal Enterprises

• Mirjanagar Gramoday Sahyog Samiti Limited

BRYGRAMBRYGRAMHoney Drying

Modif ied on: 01st August 2011

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