A new research paper from a team of Malaysian and Australian scientists studied Stingless bee honey (SBH) of four stingless bee species (Two from Malaysia: Heterotrigona itama, Geniotrigona thoracica, and two from Australia: Tetragonula carbonaria, and Tetragonula hockingsi). Analysis of the sugar confirmed the prominent presence of trehalulose in all samples. All honeys failed to meet the CODEX Standard for honey moisture, free acidity, and total fructose plus glucose levels. The distinctive differences between Australian and Malaysian SBH was con-firmed, with Australian SBH having significantly higher pH, total phenolic, total mineral, and electrical conductivity attributes. Toxic elements in all SBH were much lower than standard CODEX limit. The Malaysia species G. thorac-ica produced honey with significantly higher trehalulose than both Australian bee species. This research will add value to SBH and hasten new international standards ensuring commercial viability, safety, quality, and marketability.
Citation: Norhasnida Zawawi et al. (2021) Unique physicochemical properties and rare reducing sugar trehalulose mandate new international regulation for stingless bee honey.
Food Chemistry, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.131566