Qualidade de mel de abelha Apis mellifera l natural e após utilizado para alimentação de abelhas Melipona subnitida

Abstract

The physicochemical analysis reveals the quality of honeys comparing with standards already established by the Brazilian regulation law. This work aims evaluate the quality mellifera L. honey, collected in regulated and unregulated honey establishments at Sertão do Apodi territory -RN, Northeastern of Brazil, and reevaluate this quality after used as feed for stingless bees Melipona subnitida. The changes made by this stingless bees in the Apis honey was descripted. The honey samples were collected in 2016 and 2017at 22 honey establishments. All the samples were transported to the UFERSA Food Technology Laboratory where the following quality characteristics were evaluated: moisture, pH, free acidity (LA), electrical conductivity (EC), hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), reducing sugars (SFA), ash content, color, water activity (AW), total phenolics (FT), total flavonoids (FT) and antioxidant activity. The experimental design was randomized The physicochemical composition of Apis mellifera honeys, differ between registered and unregistered honey establishments The Apis honey was modified by the stingless bees on to the following physicochemical parameters: moisture, reducing sugars, ash, insoluble solids, acidity and pH. However, the final characteristics of the modified honey were closer to the honeybees honey.. Unexpectedly, the total phenolic content, flavonoids and antioxidant activity of the modified honey were higher than the natural Melipona honey