Pune scientists develop ‘fingerprint’ test for authentic jamun honey
A new study by scientists at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune, has found that authentic jamun honey contains low glucose levels and high antioxidant content, providing scientific evidence for its long-held reputation as a healthier natural sweetener. A key outcome of the research is the development of a reliable authentication method for jamun honey. (HT PHOTO) The research, led by Udaya Kiran Marelli, analysed 82 authentic jamun honey samples collected from the Mahabaleshwar region of Maharashtra. Using advanced analytical techniques such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry (MS), the team, comprising Snehal Sadashiv Waghole, Shirin Hanna Moncy and Sapna Ravindranathan, developed the first comprehensive chemical profile of jamun honey and established a scientific method to verify its authenticity. The study found that jamun honey consistently contains lower glucose levels and higher fructose content. According to the researchers, this composition is associated with a slower release of sugar into the bloodstream, supporting the traditional belief that jamun honey may be a preferable option for individuals seeking foods …









