Effects of different processing methods on the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of honey : a review

The use of honey as a food and a medicine date back to prehistoric times. Uses include treating wounds, cuts, burns, coughs and colds. The antioxidant and antibacterial properties of honey are believed to be responsible for its medicinal properties. Honey is usually processed before consumption. Honey is subjected to thermal processing, which adversely affects its quality. Honey can also be processed by non-thermal methods, such as high-pressure processing, ultrasonication, irradiation and microwave processing. In this review, the effects of thermal and non-thermal processing methods on the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of honey have been summarised. Thermal processing and microwave processing of honey adversely affect the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of honey. In contrast to other non-thermal processing methods, high-pressure processing and gamma irradiation have no effect on the antibacterial activity or antioxidant properties of honey. Ultrasound processing increases antioxidant activity of honey.