Influence of Storage Temperature on the Quality of Geniotrigona thoracica Honey

Abstract

Stingless bee honey is well-known for its high content of moisture compared to Apis mellifera honey. This study aimed to investigate the influence of different temperatures used to reduce moisture content in honey using clay pots. The Geniotrigona thoracica honey was kept in clay pots for 10 days at 25 °C and 35 °C, and the changes in its properties were evaluated on the moisture content, total soluble solids, viscosity, pH, free acidity, and colour. Honey stored at 35 °C reduced moisture content by <20% in 3 days while honey at 25 °C took 7 days. Free acidity was found higher (113 meq/kg) in the sample stored at 35 °C for 3 days compared to honey stored at 25 °C for 7 days (106 meq/kg). From this study, the suitable temperature and the use of clay pots was proved to reduce the moisture content in honey.