Diastase

Enzyme Activity Assessment

Diastase is an enzyme that is found naturally in honey and degrades over time, especially when exposed to heat. Like HMF, diastase can be used to indicate the age and exposure of honey to heat.

Testing for diastase forms part of the Codex Standard for Honey, and has been receiving increased attention in recent years for honey being exported to some parts of the world.

Requirements for Diastase Activity are outlined in the Codex Standard for Honey with a limit of 8 Schade units for honey following processing and/or blending. An additional limit of 3 Schade Units is outlined for honeys with a low natural enzyme content.

Learn more about Diastase in our August 2019 New Zealand Beekeeper article here: "What is diastase?"

Close-up of a gloved hand using a metal uncapping tool to scrape wax and honey from a wooden honeycomb frame. The frame is held vertically above a metal tray filled with wax and honey pieces. A stainless steel bee smoker is placed on the table nearby, and blurred greenery is visible in the background, indicating an outdoor setting.

Strengthen your brand’s image and ensure your product’s quality with NMR-based Honey-Profiling.

ALS has teamed up with the team at Callaghan Innovation to offer NMR Honey Profiling analysis to ALS clients!

Download the Honey Profiling Brochure

Check out an example Honey Profiling report on a typical New Zealand Manuka Honey.

HOW DOES ALS CONDUCT THE TEST

ALS has two IANZ Accredited methods for testing Diastase.

Phadebas method: Based on the Harmonised Methods of the International Honey Commission (2009).

Nitrophenol method: Based on the German standard method DIN 107520-2.

See our tech note on the Nitrophenol method

PRICING AND TURNAROUND TIME

Please contact ALS for current pricing and TAT's.

WHY USE ALS?

ALS offers the full range of honey tests which honey producers, processors, and marketers need. With a fast turnaround time, a competitive price, and service that our customers rave about. Because we are able to carry out a number of tests on your honey, you can send in one sample and let us take care of the rest.