Comparison of physico-chemical properties of honeys produced by Melipona beecheii bees from low deciduous forest at harvest and post-harvest seasons

The demand for honey produced by stingless bees such as Melipona beecheii has increased due to its therapeutic properties. However, its physico-chemical characterization is still limited and quality control parameters are not sufficiently established. The objective of this study was to evaluate physico-chemical characteristics of M. beecheii honey obtained in various production seasons in meliponaries from the low deciduous forest zone of Yucatan, Mexico. Thirty-seven samples of honey were obtained in the harvest and post-harvest seasons during 2020-2021. According to the International Honey Commission methodologies, physico-chemical analyses were carried out and statistical analysis was performed to determine differences between seasons in the parameters evaluated. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) between harvesting seasons in the CIE colour parameters L*a*b* (3.03, 0.47, 0.43 and 3.48, 1.85, 3.05, respectively), free acidity (21.3 meq center dot kg(-1) and 32.4 meq center dot kg-1), ash (2.3 g center dot kg(-1) and 4.5 g center dot kg(-1)), hydroxymethylfurfural content (11.8 mg center dot kg(-1) and 20.4 mg center dot kg(-1), and invertase number (7.8 and 11.6). For moisture, sugars, electrical conductivity, diastase activity, insoluble matter and proline content, no differences were found (p > 0.05) between honeys extracted at harvest and post-harvest seasons. The differences could be related to the diversity of melliferous flora present in this ecoregion.