• Linah Anyango Otieno
• Dr. Robert Bichanga
• Dr. Harun Mbuvi

This study investigates the physical characteristics of sisal honey produced in Taita Taveta County, Kenya. Honey, a natural product from honeybees (Apis mellifera), varies in composition based on the floral sources. Sisal honey, derived predominantly from the nectar of the Agave sisalana plant, is notable for its light color and unique odor. The study examines key. The experimental procedures used to analyse physicochemical properties of honey samples followed the harmonized methods by the International Honey Commission. The results showed that the average moisture content was 19.62± 0.10%, the refractive index, 1.4877± 0.00 while the ash content 0.1512 ± 0.0087%. The free acidity was found to be 22.82± 1.28 mEqKg. The pH and the density were found to be 4.293± 0.02 and 1.4083± 0.069 g/cm3 respectively. Despite its potential, sisal honey production in Taita Taveta is underexploited, contributing only 2% of its capacity, due to market challenges and lack of certification. Enhancing market knowledge and standardization could significantly boost production and economic benefits. This study underscores the importance of proper storage and quality assessment in promoting sisal honey as a valuable product in both local and international markets. A number of factors come affect the quality of sisal honey. Factors such as the botanical source, geographical location, climatic conditions, and traditional beekeeping practices influencing the chemical composition were considered. This analysis underscores the nutritional and medicinal value of sisal honey, advocating for improved market access, quality certification, and enhanced beekeeping practices to fully realize its economic potential and support local communities in Taita Taveta County. The results of this study indicate that sisal honey has good quality since it met the physicochemical specifications of Codex Alimentaruis. The data obtained from this study is not only important for the commercialization of sisal honey for both local and international honey market but can also be used as a guide to characterization of sisal honey in other parts of the world.

Sisal honey, honey composition, beekeeping, monofloral honey, physical characteristics, honey quality, nectar sources, honey production, apiculture, market challenges, honey certification, nutritional value, medicinal properties, pollination.

"Determination of the Physical Characteristics of Sisal Honey from Taita Taveta County", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 6, page no.g346-g352, June-2024, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2406642.pdf

"Determination of the Physical Characteristics of Sisal Honey from Taita Taveta County", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 6, page no. ppg346-g352, June-2024, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2406642.pdf