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Determination of Honey Color Using UV Vis Spectroscopy

Analyze Honey Color with Respect to the Pfund Scale for a Quick Quality Check

This application note provides a method for a quick quality check of honey by determining its color using METTLER TOLEDO's EasyPlus UV/VIS spectrophotometer.

What Is the Pfund Scale?

Honey is highly susceptible to adulteration. Honey color is one of the quality indicators associated with its flavor, odor, quality, and storage conditions. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designed color standards for honey, which are associated with a scale known as the Pfund scale. The Pfund scale is extensively used in the honey industry and is proportional to the color intensity of honey.

How to Determine Honey Color?

Honey color can be determined using METTLER TOLEDO's EasyPlus UV/VIS spectrophotometers by measuring the absorbance of a honey sample at 560 nm. The absorbance value is multiplied by a factor of 3.15 and compared to the value in the Pfund scale to obtain the standard of the honey sample. 

Download our free application note to learn more and benefit from our experience in determining the honey color.