The optimum storage conditions on the quality of the stingless bee honey

Abstract

Honey of stingless bee has a higher moisture content than bees. Long-term storage may cause fermentation processes to change the physicochemical properties and taste. Thus, the aim of this research was evaluation of the optimum storage condition on the quality of stingless bee honey. Stingless bee honey (Tetragonular larviceps) was contained in plastic bottle and kept at ambient temperature (30-35°C) and low temperature (4-8°C) for 0-45 days. Before and after storage honey were analyzed the physicochemical properties and sensory investigation for comparison of quality. The results showed that temperatures and storage times have affected on the reducing sugar content, pH, conductivity, color, moisture content with significant difference (p<0.05). While, temperatures and storage times have unaffected on the Brix value (p>0.05). Additionally, the physicochemical properties of honey were according with previously quality report. The sensory investigation indicated that the smell natural flavor, consistency, taste and sourness were not significant difference (p>0.05). In contrast, the color and overall preference were significant difference (p<0.05). For honey quality, Thus, the honey might keep at 4-35°C for ≤45 day of this study.