Abstract:

In this study, magnetic stirring with heating, and ultrasonication with water bath heating were optimized and
compared for their efficiency in decrystallizing black bee linden honey from northeast China. For the two decrystallization
methods, the decrystallization efficiency as a function of operating parameters was investigated using orthogonal array
design. The optimal conditions for decrystallizing black bee linden honey by simultaneously magnetic stirring and heating
were determined as heating at 80 ℃ for 15 min while stirring at 150 r/min, leading to a decrystallization rate of 97.98%.
Ultrasonication with an output power of 84 W while water bath heating at 80 ℃ for 30 min was found to be optimal for
the decrystallization of black bee linden honey, resulting in a decrystallization rate of 72.69%. We concluded that magnetic
stirring with heating was superior to ultrasonication with water bath heating.

Key words: black bee linden honey from northeast China, decrystallization, mechanical decrystallization, ultrasonic-waterbath heating method