**2. Materials and methods**

#### **2.1. Honey samples**

Honey samples were collected from Malta, Gozo and Comino between 2011 and 2014. All samples were obtained directly from the beekeepers. Each honey sample was assigned a code that was used throughout the experimental trail. Information on the physical status (colour, consistency, etc.) of the honey samples, and location data were recorded for future reference. The seasonal distribution on a yearly basis is illustrated in **Table 1**. No winter samples were collected as the foraging area usually lacks plants in flower during this season. Beekeepers were provided with their honey analysis for their information.

#### **2.2. Physical appearance: colour and consistency**

The colour of the honey samples was determined by the absorbance measurement at 560 nm using the UV-Vis spectrophotometer (WPA Lightwave II). Values exceeding 2.5 A were


**Table 1.** The collection of honey samples by season and by year.

diluted and then the absorbance value was multiplied by the dilution factor to obtain the final absorbance. The viscosity of the honey sample was determined on the physical appearance of the honey.
