Physicochemical characteristics of stingless bee honey from Heterotrigona itama sp. / Nur Syamimi Ismail

The purpose of this study is to investigate the physicochemical characteristics of
Malaysian stingless bee honey from Heterotrigona itama species. The aim of this
study is to provide as much information about stingless bees and can be used by
subsequent researchers to conduct more analysis of stingless bees. Several
parameters have been performed to obtain data on the physicochemical
characteristics of stingless bee from Heterotrigona itama species. The
physicochemical characteristics were pH, ash content, total acidity, color intensity,
and moisture content. Honey produced by Heterotrigona itama sp. is taken
randomly from five different logs. The results reveal the pH values of stingless bees
are range 3.32±0.01 to 3.60±0.01 which is known as acidic. The colour intensity
ranged from 35-50 mm Pfund (extra light amber). The ash content and acidity value
of stingless bee honey samples ranged from 0.127±0.061 to 0.413±0.022 g/100g
and 109±7.81 to 135±8.66 meq/kg. The moisture content ranged from 23.00±0.50
to 26.83±0.29 %. Clearly, honey produced by a stingless bee from Heterotrigona
itama sp. has similar physicochemical characteristics although the honey sample
taken from different places.