[RESEARCH NOTE]
Philippine Journal of Science
152 (6B): 2359-2365, December 2023
ISSN 0031 – 7683
Date Received: 11 Aug 2023
Effect of Storage Time on the Quality of Stingless Bee
(Tetragonula biroi Friese) Honey
Hannah Desiree A. Magpantay1, Paul Lloydson J. Alvarez1,3*,
Ma. Desiree Belina-Aldemita1,3, Adonis A. Yanos1, and Cleofas R. Cervancia2,3
1Institute of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences,
University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031 Philippines
2Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences,
University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031 Philippines
3University of the Philippines Los Baños Bee Program,
College, Laguna 4031 Philippines
*Corresponding author: pjalvarez@up.edu.ph
[Download]
Magpantay HD et al. 2023. Effect of Storage Time on the Quality of
Stingless Bee (Tetragonula biroi Friese) Honey. Philipp J Sci 152(6): 2359–2365.
https://doi.org/10.56899/152.6B.08
ABSTRACT
Stingless bee honey (SBH) has a unique sour taste and distinct flavor compared to honey from Apis species. The demand for SBH has increased in the Philippines because of its known therapeutic properties. Even if it is sold immediately after harvest, it is crucial to know its shelf-life in anticipation of large-volume production shortly. Thus, this study was conducted to determine if storage for 5 mo at room temperature will alter its physicochemical characteristics. The average values for the pH level, moisture content, HMF content, reducing sugar content, and total sugar content during the 5-mo storage period were 3.30 ± 0.02, 26.95 ± 0.07%, 2.40 ± 0.55 mg/kg, 46.08 ± 0.43%, and 46.78 ± 1.51%, respectively. The values for each parameter did not change significantly during the duration of the study. This indicates that SBH can remain stable for at least a 5-mo period.