Physicochemical characterization and acceptance of honey from stingless bees

Abstract

This work aimed to perform the physicochemical characterization of honey from stingless bees and correlate it with consumers’ sensory acceptance and purchase intention. Three honeys from native stingless bees, Tetragonisca angustula, Melipona quadrifasciata quadrifasciata and Scaptotrigona postica, were considered. Physicochemical characterization, such as determining water activity, moisture content, pH, free acidity, color, total soluble solids, total phenolic compounds, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), and mineral substances, was performed. Tetragonisca angustula showed the lowest water activity and moisture content and could produce honey with a higher concentration of total soluble solids (TSS). The honey types of the other two species studied had lower TSS concentrations and higher moisture and total acidity concentrations. The primary elements in all honey types analyzed were K, Na, P, Ca, and Mg. The honey that had the best evaluation in the purchase intention analysis was Tetragonisca angustula due to its composition; it is sweeter and slightly acidic, with intermediate concentrations of TSS, the highest concentration of phenolic compounds, and the significant presence of chemical elements. It was evidenced that the need to regulate the physicochemical and microbiological quality standards of honey produced in Brazil significantly to contemplate honey’s unique characteristics from native stingless bees.