Leptospermum Honey Activity Estimator.
    MENU:
  The University of The Sunshine Coast’s Honey Laboratory is part of The CRC for Honey Bee Products research project “The Analysis of antimicrobial Bioactive Components of Australian Leptospermum Honeys and Nectars”. 
  We are often asked by beekeepers and honey processors, “What activity will my honey develop in 6-12 months”? It is a great question, but difficult to definitively answer due to honey’s complex nature, being blends of different sources, and differing chemistry of water activity, acidity and amino acid content. The conversion of dihydroxyacetone DHA to methylglyoxal MGO involves some complex temperature dependent chemistry, and is not a simple one-to-one conversion. Further, the MGO molecule is not temperature stable. We undertook a storage study on twelve Leptospermum honeys at 22oC, 37oC and 65oC. Twenty two degrees approximates an ambient storage shed, 37oC approximates a warm room, or drums left out in the sun, and 65oC approximates heat treating during processing. Some honeys in the trial matured faster while others developed slower. The Activity Estimator approximates the average response. It is a guide to what may happen. 
First up, cooler storage develops a more active honey but over a 1-2 year period. Warmer temperatures may initially develop MGO, but this also promotes early loss of activity as the MGO is not temperature stable. At high temperatures, the MGO activity is unstable, and hydroxymethylfurfural HMF is generated quickly. In our long term storage, cold rooms around 5oC kept honeys unchanged over years. So cooler climates like Tasmania may require modest warming for development to occur. 
  To use the Estimator, tap on the Calculate button above and then enter your starting DHA, MGO and HMF values at time zero. Then enter the week and the App will calculate the changes at 22°C and 37°C. There is also a daily calcuation showing the impact of exposure to 65°C.
  Finally, a word of caution. Do not attempt to push MGO to its absolute limits before processing, packaging and shipment. We have observed that the effect of processing and shipment (long storage in uncontrolled conditions) can reduce MGO content. Several international shipments have been rejected as a result of falling MGO values. Best package while the DHA:MGO ratio is above 2 to 1, this gives room for MGO development as insurance against adverse handling. 
                 
  Cheers,
Peter, Kyle and Linda
USC Honey Lab.
  Calculator        
 
   Weeks   Enter a number between 1 and 52 or use the stepper.
   Weeks   Enter a number between 1 and 156 or use the stepper.
    DHA MGO HMF NPA  
  Initial   mg/kg (ppm) in each case
  22°C   mg/kg (ppm) in each case
  37°C
  Interpolation      
 
                 
           
  Activity impact at 65°C  
  Days DHA MGO HMF NPA  
 
  mg/kg (ppm)
 
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