Electrical conductivity of honey is a measure of its mineral content, expressed in milliSiemens per centimetre, used in trade to distinguish blossom honey from honeydew honey and to verify compliance with the Honey Directive.
In trade practice
Laboratories measure electrical conductivity on a water solution of honey ash using a conductivity meter; the result is compared against the thresholds set out in the Honey Directive for the declared honey type. Blossom honeys must fall below the Directive’s threshold, while honeydew and blended honeydew honeys must meet or exceed a higher minimum, with named exceptions such as heather honey. Buyers and quality teams use conductivity results on the certificate of analysis to cross-check botanical origin claims. A mismatch between declared type and conductivity reading is a common trigger for further authenticity investigation.
In a specification
A contract or product specification for honeydew honey will reference the conductivity thresholds in the Honey Directive by name and require the supplier to provide a laboratory result from an accredited testing body.