EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PACKAGING MATERIALS ON THE QUALITY OF STINGLESS BEE HONEY (Heterotrigona itama) DURING STORAGE

Abstract

Bee can be categorised as either honeybee or a stingless bee. Both produce honey, which is beneficial for human consumption because it is rich in nutrients. However, there is no study done on its quality affected by packaging materials during storage. This study evaluated the physicochemical properties of stingless bee honey (Heterotrigona itama) when stored in different packaging materials, clear and amber glass bottles, and clear and amber plastic bottles, stored at room temperature for three months. Honey was harvested from the pots to test its quality after some time. The physicochemical analyses were colour L*, a* and b*, pH value, total titratable acidity, antioxidant activity, ashes, moisture content and water activity. During three months of storage, none of the storage materials showed a significant difference from each other. If the honey storage is extended, honey stored in amber glass will give better quality at the end of the storage day due to the consistent parameter such as antioxidant activity, which is considered one of the valuable components in stingless bee honey.