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Interciencia ISSN: 0378-1844 [email protected] Asociación Interciencia Venezuela

Fuenmayor, Carlos Alberto; Zuluaga-Domínguez, Carlos Mario; Díaz-Moreno, Amanda Consuelo; Cecilia Quicazán, Martha 'Miel de Angelita': nutritional composition and physicochemical properties of angustula Interciencia, vol. 37, núm. 2, febrero, 2012, pp. 142-147 Asociación Interciencia Caracas, Venezuela

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How to cite Complete issue Scientific Information System More information about this article Network of Scientific Journals from Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain and Portugal Journal's homepage in redalyc.org Non-profit academic project, developed under the open access initiative ‘MIEL DE ANGELITA’: NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF HONEY

Carlos Alberto Fuenmayor, Carlos Mario Zuluaga-Domínguez, Amanda Consuelo Díaz-Moreno and Martha Cecilia Quicazán

SUMMARY

Pre-Hispanic cultures that lived in territories of Central and cal properties is of interest. In this study, the main nutritional practiced meliponiculture, extracting and process- and physicochemical characteristics were analyzed in 44 samples ing honey and other products from several stingless species. from seven regions of Colombia. Results showed a major compo- Colonization of these territories introduced of Apis sition of 24.3 ±2.3% moisture, 23.5 ±6.4% glucose, 30.1 ±5.4% mellifera, and practically eliminated meliponiculture. Neverthe- fructose and 4.2 ±2.4% disaccharides (sucrose and maltose). less, honey of the species angustula (Latreille, 1811), The honeys presented 0.205 ±0.070% ash, 155.0 ±65.1ppm Na, called ‘miel de angelita’ (or ‘little-angel honey’) has retained a 576.6 ±177.6ppm K, 199.6 ±63.4ppm Ca, 56.0 ±27.5ppm Mg, 5.8 place in the traditional market, with about ten times the cost of ±2.3ppm Fe, 0.9 ±0.3ppm Cu, and 19.6 ±8.3 Zn. Free acidity, hy- A. mellifera honey. Due to its scarcity and to the fact that it is droxymethylfurfural (HMF) content, pH, conductivity, specific ro- popularly considered to have medicinal properties. Although there tation, diastase activity and color (on the Pfund scale) were also are noticeable differences between miel de angelita and common assessed. This study constitutes the basis for establishing quality A. mellifera honeys, the lack of objective quality standards has standards of this valuable honey in Colombia. often allowed falsification. Thus, assessment of its physicochemi-

Introduction in native bee species, the at- liponiculture is growing; prod- Worker of this species tempt to recover traditional ucts, such as honey of the are small, ~4mm long, with a Pre-Hispanic cultures that knowledge about them and to species Trigona angustula, slender body, yellow belly and lived in different territories of characterize their possible called ‘miel de angelita’ (or shiny black head and thorax; Central and South America functional and therapeutic ‘little-angel honey’) retain a their hind legs are character- practiced meliponiculture features under a bioprospec- place in markets associated to ized by shiny black shins, (comprising many species of tive approach. folk medicine in countries which have a small the tribe Meliponini) since The geographic location of such as Venezuela, Colombia basket (Nates-Parra, 2001b). times that have not been well Latin America and its mega- and Ecuador, and a signifi- Although practically no re- established, mainly for extrac- biodiversity are ideal for bee- cantly higher cost compared liable data on the marketing tion and processing of honey, keeping, which is a highly to Apis mellifera honey, reach- of honey of native bees in and for application of the ce- sustainable activity and an in- ing over ten times its price, Latin America is available, rumen in metalwork. The teresting opportunity to iden- due to its scarcity, its pleasant the main supply of this prod- colonization of America, dur- tify products, mostly yet-to-be- flavor and the attributed bioac- uct is related to naturist ing the fifteenth and sixteenth discovered, with unique fea- tive properties, specially for stores and -consum- centuries introduced beekeep- tures. Only in Colombia, it is treatment of respiratory and er retailing. gen- ing of Apis mellifera and min- estimated that the number of eye infections (Nates-Parra, erally take care of few nests imized this practice, almost native bee species is far more 2001a; Vit et al., 2004; Rosso without making economic use extinguishing meliponiculture. than 900 (Freitas et al., 2009). and Nates-Parra, 2005). T. of them, often expressing a More recently, the ‘africaniza- Honeys of spe- angustula is one of the better desire to use them as a tion’ of A. mellifera and the cies are also known as ‘pot known and most widely dis- source of income, but at the growing demand for natural honeys’ since many of the tributed stingless bees in Lat- same time showing lack of foods and health care prod- species of the tribe Meliponini in America, and can be found technical knowledge on ucts have played an important store both pollen and honey in from nearly 2000masl down breeding techniques and col- role in the renewal of interest egg-shaped pots. Me- to the sea level (Table I). ony maintenance.

Palabras Clave / Honey / ‘Miel de Angelita’ / Physicochemical Characteristics / Trigona angustula / Stingless Bees / Received: 05/09/2011. Modified: 02/15/2012. Accepted: 02/21/2012.

Carlos Alberto Fuenmayor. de Alimentos (ICTA), UNAL, Amanda Consuelo Díaz-Moreno. Martha Cecilia Quicazán. Chemical Engineer, M.Sc. in Av. Kr. 30 # 45-03 Ed. 500C, Food Engineer, Universidad de Chemical Engineer, UNAL, Chemical Engineering, Universi- Bogotá, Colombia. e-mail: ca- la Salle, Colombia. Master in Colombia. M.Sc. in Food Sci- dad Nacional de Colombia [email protected]. Agro-Industrial Administration, ence and Technology, Universi- (UNAL), Colombia. Ph.D. stu- Carlos Mario Zuluaga-Domín- Ph.D. in Food Quality, Safety dad de la Habana (UH), Cuba. dent in Biotechnology of Food- guez. Chemical Engineer, M. and Technology, Universidad de Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, stuffs, Università degli Studi di Sc. and Ph.D. student in Food Zaragoza, Spain. Professor, UNAL, Colombia. Professor Milano (UNIMI), Italy. Address: Science and Technology, ICTA- ICTA, UNAL, Colombia. ICTA-UNAL, Colombia. Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología UNAL, Colombia.

142 0378-1844/12/02/142-06 $ 3.00/0 FEB 2012, VOL. 37 Nº 2 MIEL DE ANGELITA: COMPOSICIÓN NUTRICIONAL Y PROPIEDADES FISICOQUÍMICAS DE LA MIEL DE Trigona angustula Carlos Alberto Fuenmayor, Carlos Mario Zuluaga-Domínguez, Amanda Consuelo Díaz-Moreno y Martha Cecilia Quicazán RESUMEN Las culturas prehispánicas que habitaron territorios de Centro des fisicoquímicas. En este estudio, 44 muestras de siete regiones y Suramérica practicaron la meliponicultura, empleando miel y de Colombia fueron analizadas por sus principales características otros productos de varias especies de abejas sin aguijón. Poste- nutricionales y fisicoquímicas, encontrándose una composición de riormente, la colonización de dichos territorios introdujo la crian- 24,3 ±2,3% de humedad, 23,5 ±6,4% glucosa, 30,1 ±5,4% fructo- za de Apis mellifera y prácticamente anuló la meliponicultura. A sa y 4,2 ±2,4% disacáridos (sacarosa y maltosa); 0,205 ±0,070% pesar de esto, la miel de la especie Tetragonisca angustula (La- cenizas, y en minerales: 155,0 ±65,1ppm Na; 576,6 ±177,6ppm treille, 1811), conocida como ‘miel de angelita’, ha conservado un K; 199,6 ±63,4ppm Ca; 56,0 ±27,5ppm Mg; 5,8 ±2,3ppm Fe; 0,9 lugar en el mercado tradicional con precios de hasta diez veces ±0,3ppm Cu; y 19,6 ±8,3ppm Zn. Fueron determinados la acidez el de la miel común, debido a su escasez y a que popularmente se libre, el contenido de hidroximetilfurfural (HMF), el pH, la con- le atribuyen propiedades medicinales. Aunque existen diferencias ductividad eléctrica, la rotación específica, la actividad diastásica notorias entre la miel de angelita y la miel común, la falta de es- y el color. Este estudio constituye la base para el establecimiento tándares objetivos ha permitido la ocurrencia de prácticas de fal- de una norma de calidad para este producto en Colombia. sificación, haciendo de interés la determinación de sus propieda-

MEL DA JATAÍ: COMPOSIÇÃO NUTRICIONAL E PROPRIEDADES FISICOQUÍMICA DE MEL DE Trigona angustula Carlos Alberto Fuenmayor, Carlos Mario Zuluaga-Domínguez, Amanda Consuelo Díaz-Moreno e Martha Cecilia Quicazán RESUMO As culturas pré-hispânicas que habitaram territórios de Cen- químicas. Neste estudo, 44 amostras de sete regiões de Colômbia tro e América do Sul praticaram a meliponicultura, empregando foram analisadas por suas principais características nutricionais mel e outros produtos de varias espécies de abelhas sem ferrão. e físico-químicas, encontrando-se uma composição de 24,3 ±2,3% Posteriormente, a colonização de ditos territórios introduziu a de umidade, 23,5 ±6,4% glicose, 30,1 ±5,4% frutose e 4,2 ±2,4% criação de Apis mellifera e praticamente anulou a meliponicul- dissacarídeos (sacarosa e maltosa); 0,205 ±0,070% cinzas, e em tura. Apesar disto, o mel da espécie Tetragonisca angustula (La- minerais: 155,0 ±65,1ppm Na; 576,6 ±177,6ppm K; 199,6 ±63,4ppm treille, 1811), conhecida como ‘mel da Jataí’, tem conservado um Ca; 56,0 ±27,5ppm Mg; 5,8 ±2,3ppm Fe; 0,9 ±0,3ppm Cu; e 19,6 lugar no mercado tradicional com preços de até dez vezes o do ±8,3ppm Zn. Foram determinadas a acidez libre, o conteúdo de mel comum, devido a sua escassez e a que popularmente se lhe hidroximetilfurfural (HMF), o pH, a condutividade eléctrica, a ro- atribuem propriedades medicinais. Ainda que existam diferenças tação específica, a atividade diastásica e a cor. Este estudo cons- notórias entre o mel de angelita e o mel comum, a falta de pa- titui a base para o estabelecimento de uma norma de qualidade dronização objetiva tem incentivado práticas de falsificação, tor- para este produto na Colômbia. nando de interesse a determinação de suas propriedades físico-

Technological and environ- Material and Methods ble I provides general infor- dex according to method mental issues related to fac- mation and location of the 969.38B (AOAC, 2005) with tors such as complex ecosys- Samples nests. an instrument ABBE (Euro- tem interactions, susceptibil- mex, Netherland) at 20°C. ity of some native bee spe- Forty-four samples of honey Physicochemical analyses Water content was calculated cies to human practices and from Trigona angustula La- from a Chataway table (Chat- the relatively low yields of treille (1811) (: Because of the relatively away, 1935). Results are ex- the nests in terms of honey ) were extracted from low amount of miel de an- pressed in g/100g. production, must be studied nests by beekeepers or project gelita that can be extracted at Sugars. Glucose, fructose and and overcome, in order to ef- staff during the years 2009 once from the nest without disaccharides (sucrose plus fectively make meliponicul- and 2010, in seven depart- damaging the colony, samples maltose) were quantified by ture a feasible activity, based ments of Colombia: Magdale- sent to the laboratory were HPLC according to a method- on the knowledge about biol- na (17), Santander (19), Cun- small (usually <20g). Thus, ology based on methods ogy of native bees, their en- dinamarca (2), Sucre (2), Cal- the physicochemical parame- 979.23 and 983.22 (AOAC, vironment and the character- das (1), Cauca (1), and Tolima ters of the samples were per- 2005), using a chromatogra- istics of their products. This (2). Sterilized syringes were formed in order of importance pher CO-2065 (Jasco, Japan) study is aimed at character- used for extraction and then and according to the availabil- with refraction index detector izing the honey of T. angus- kept in sterilized vials which ity of samples. In Tables II- RI-2031 (Jasco, Japan), a cal- tula with a focus on broma- were closed, sealed and sent IV, the number of samples tology and authenticity, and directly to the Laboratory of used for each parameter is cium cationic exchange provides feasible quality indi- Physicochemical Analysis of indicated. column MetaCarb Ca 111 Plus cators for this product. Fur- Foodstuff at ICTA, Universi- (Varian A5205, USA). The thermore, it represents the dad Nacional de Colombia, Moisture. Water content was mobile phase was ultra pure basis of a future official stan- where they were stored at evaluated by refractometry, degasified water; the column dards for this product. ~-20°C prior to analyses. Ta- measuring the refraction in- was maintained at 80°C and

FEB 2012, VOL. 37 Nº 2 143 Table I terferences from white) to 150mm Pfund (dark Location of the nests of T. angustula other compounds amber). at this wavelength, Department Locations of the nests Mean altitude Approximate Electrical conductivity. This (municipality) (masl) global position the difference be- tween absorbance parameter was evaluated ac- Caldas Canáan (Victoria) 750 05°19'N 74°54'W of an aqueous cording to Bogdanov et al. Cauca - 1760 02°26'N 76°37'W honey solution and (1997), by measuring an aque- Cundinamarca Bosachoque (Fusagasugá) 1728 04°20'N 74°21'W the same solution ous 20% honey solution at 20°C, using a conductometer Magdalena San Pedro (Ciénaga) 400 11°02'N 74°15'W after adding bisul- Minca (Santa Marta) 700 11°14'N 74°12'W phite is determined. T70 (Mettler Toledo, Switzer- Lourdes María (El Retén) 22 10°37'N 74°16'W land). Results are expressed is The content of -1 Santander Riofrío (Girón) 777 07°04'N 73°10'W HMF is calculated µS·cm . Casiano Bajo (Floridablanca) 925 07°13'N 73°04'W by the difference Santa Bárbara 1925 07°05'N 73°01'W between the two Statistical analysis La Roca (Socorro) 1230 06°28'N 73°16'W solutions, this latter Sucre Colozó 137 09°29'N 75°21'W being measured at Physicochemical analyses Tolima - 1200 04°26'N 75°13'W 336nm. Results are were carried out in triplicate expressed as for each sample (the relative mg·kg-1 or ppm. standard deviation of an indi- the detector at 45°C, with a (AOAC, 2005). A sample of vidual sample should not be flow rate of 0.5ml·min-1. Stan- 10g of honey was dissolved Specific rotation. The method greater than 11% in order to dards of glucose, fructose, in 75ml of degasified ultra used is described in Bogdan- be considered valid). Results maltose and fructose were pure water in a 250ml glass ov et al. (1997). Angular rota- are expressed as mean ± stan- from Sigma-Aldrich. Results container. A pHmeter elec- tion of an aqueous solution dard deviation for all the are expressed in g/100g. trode (T70 Mettler Toledo, clarified and filtered is mea- samples analyzed. Data were Switzerland) was submerged sured with a polarimeter Po- processed using Microsoft Ash. This parameter was de- in the solution and initial pH lax-2L (Atago, Japan). An ali- Excel 2007. termined according to method was recorded at 20°C; the quot of ~10g of dry substance 920.181 (AOAC, 2005). Sam- solution was stirred and then was dissolved in distilled wa- Results and Discussion ples of 5g were pre-calcinteed titrated with NaOH 0.05N ter for 30s, after which 10ml until smoke release stopped. until pH 8.5 was reached. of Carrez I solution were Main composition: water and The sample was then placed Results are expressed in added and mixed for 30s. sugars in a muffle and calcinated at meq·kg-1. Then, 10ml of Carrez II solu- 600°C until constant weight. tion were added and also Results are expressed in Diastase activity. This was Honey from T. angustula, mixed during 30s. The vol- just as A. mellifera honey, is g/100g. assessed according to the ume was completed to 100ml method of Schade, described mostly composed by simple Minerals. The mineral ele- in a flask using distilled wa- reducing and non-reducing in Bogdanov et al. (1997). A ter. One day later, this solu- ments were quantified accord- 20% honey solution (10ml) sugars (mainly fructose, glu- ing to method 979.23 (AOAC, tion was filtered and intro- cose, sucrose and maltose), reacted with a 2% starch so- duced in a 2dm polarimeter 2005). Samples of 5g were lution, mixed at 40°C, and water and ash. Their relative pre-calcinated and calcinated tube, where the measurement amounts depend largely on time was measured as the was carried out at 20°C. following the same procedure absorbance (660nm) of the many variables, e.g. the matu- described for ash content de- colored complex formed by Color. It was measured by rity achieved in the hive, the termination. The crucible was 0.5ml of the mixture and an photometry using a Pfund harvesting season, climatic then washed with a water:HCl aqueous diluted triiodide so- C-221 colorimeter (Hanna and geographic factors and solution and then transferred lution was recorded into a 100ml glass container. with a spectrophotom- Table II This solution was heated to eter UV/VIS V-530 Water and sugar content of T. angustula honey boiling and filtered, transfer- (Jasco, Japan). From a Moisture Glucose Fructose Disaccharides* ring the contents into a 50ml plot of absorbance vs Parameter flask. An atomic absorption time, the time at (g/100g) (g/100g) (g/100g) (g/100g) spectrometer AA240 (Varian which absorbance Mean ±SD 24.3 ±2.3 23.5 ±6.4 30.1 ±5.4 4.2 ±2.4 Inc., USA) was used in order reached 0.235 was in- Number of samples 44 41 41 41 to assess mineral contents us- terpolated and divided ing the following wave- by 300. Results are * Sucrose plus maltose. lengths: 599nm for Na, expressed as diastase 285nm for Mg, 422.7nm for number (DN). K, 213.9nm for Zn, 327.4nm Instruments, USA), placing a others that affect the avail- for Cu, and 248.3nm for Fe. Hydroximethilfurfural (HMF). plastic cuvette (four transpar- ability of flora, etc. (Bijlsma Results are expressed in This compound was quanti- ent sides), calibrated to pro- et al., 2006). fied by spectrophotometry mg·kg-1 or ppm. vide results in the Pfund The mean concentration of according to White, as de- these components is present- pH and free acidity. This scribed by Bogdanov et al. scale. The data was registered ed in Table II. Honey from T. parameter was assessed by (1997), by means of the UV and results expressed in mm angustula, as well as other neutralization of acids, ac- absorbance determination at Pfund in a scale that goes stingless bees, shows higher cording to method 962.19 284nm. In order to avoid in- from 0mm Pfund (water moisture values than A. mel-

144 FEB 2012, VOL. 37 Nº 2 lifera honey. This causes a The mean value of the sum of 0.205 ±0.07g/100g, ranging more objective market sur- greater tendency of miel de fructose and glucose, the from 0.059 to 0.309g/100g, veillance. These physico- angelita to be spontaneously main reducing sugars present for the samples analyzed. chemical characteristics are fermented, which is not nec- in honey, was 52.9 ±9.8g/100 All the samples meet the pH, acidity, hydroxymethyl- essarily an undesirable pro- g, so the total concentration standard proposed by Vit et furfural (HMF) content, di- cess, but is usually not under of reducing agents is expected al. (2004) to the Codex Ali- astase activity, specific ro- the control of beekeepers to be just slightly greater. The mentarius, consisting in a tation, electrical conductiv- (Vit, et al., 1994, 2004). Nev- present results do not com- maximum of 0.5g/100g for ity and color, among other ertheless, among all the pletely match those reported honeys from A. mellifera, parameters that have been stingless bees whose honeys by Torres et al. (2004) for sp., studied for several varieties have been studied, T. angus- honeys of this species, also sp. and Trigona sp.). of honeys from A. mellifera, tula produces one of the hon- from Colombia, indicating For all the samples whose and, in general, to a lesser eys with lowest moisture greater values of both fruc- mineral profile was assessed, extent for honeys from (Souza et al., 2006). Al- tose (36.1-37.6g/100g) and glu- the most concentrated min- stingless bees. Due to the though unusually high mois- cose (29.8-31.8g/100g), and are eral element quantified was difference between A. mel- tures were found (up to in partial agreement to the potassium (576.6 ±177.6ppm) lifera and species of the 30.6%) for some particular values gathered by Souza et whereas the less concentrat- tribe Meliponini, their hon- samples, the standard devia- al. (2006) from different stud- ed one was copper (0.9 eys frequently show remark- tion is considerably low, less ies, which indicate that mean ±0.3ppm). Other minerals in able variations regarding than 10% of the mean value, reducing sugars of T. angus- increasing order are iron, these parameters, which is a making moisture a promis- tula honey from , Mex- zinc, magnesium, sodium positive aspect considering sory distinction criterion and ico and Venezuela varied and calcium. This order of that most of the adulteration quality parameter for detect- from 58.0 to 70.0g/100g. On concentrations is the same of honeys as miel de an- ing adulteration and counter- the other hand, the present found for Colombian A. mel- gelita is done with A. mel- feiting. results agree with those of lifera honey (Zuluaga and lifera honey, which is In the present study fruc- Anacleto et al. (2009), who Díaz-Moreno, 2010). Both cheaper and more common. tose, glucose, and the sum of found a mean reducing sugars ash and minerals profile However, this can also be- sucrose and maltose were concentration of 55.5 should be more extensively come a regulatory issue for quantified. These are the most ±2.7g/100g in a study con- revised as parameters for marketing, because honeys concentrated sugars present in ducted with 20 samples of detecting counterfeiting and from stingless bee species A. mellifera honey and they this type of honey in São for differentiating from hon- often fall outside the legal also represented a large pro- Paulo, Brazil. eys of other species. definition of ‘honey’. Thus, portion of the solid constituents of miel Table III de angelita (Table II). Ash and mineral content of T. angustula honey Variability in the con- Ash Na K Ca Mg Fe Cu Zn centration of sugars is (g/100g) (mg·g-1) (mg·kg-1) (mg·kg-1) (mg·kg-1) (mg·kg-1) (mg·kg-1) (mg·kg-1) large, as it can be ob- served in the values Mean ±SD 0.205 ±0.070 155.0 ±65.1 576.6 ±177.6 199.6 ±63.4 56.0 ±27.5 5.8 ±2.3 0.9 ±0.3 19.6 ±8.3 of standard deviation Number of samples 12 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 in Table II. However, some tendencies can be noticed; for example, the Ash and minerals Physicochemical quality clearly, a particular legal F/G (fructose/glucose) ratio parameters framework needs to be es- showed that fructose is pre- The content of ash and tablished. dominant over glucose in a the minerals profile of hon- Other physicochemical Efforts have been made considerable proportion (1.3 eys depend strongly on the analyses are useful to estab- (Vit et al., 2004; Souza et ±0.2). Similar results have botanical origin, as well as lish the identity and quality al., 2006), but with regard to been reported in various stud- on the bee species (Vit et of honey according to the Colombia and T. angustula ies (Torres et al., 2004; Souza al., 1994, 2004, 2005; Vit, botanical, geographical and there is yet very little et al., 2006). 2005; Souza et al., 2006). entomological origin. knowledge in this area (Tor- It was found that, unlike in Table III presents the con- Knowledge about these res et al., 2004; Quicazán et the case of A. mellifera honey, centration of ash and some characteristics provides al., 2009). Table IV shows the total amount of sugars minerals for Colombian tools to the regulatory or- the results for color, pH, quantified for miel de angelita honeys of T. angustula. ganisms for preventing fal- acidity, diastase activity, added to the moisture leads to Mean content of ash was sifying and for carrying out HMF, conductivity and spe- an average of around 80% of the total composition of the samples, leaving nearly a fifth Table IV of it unexplained, thus sug- Physicochemical quality parameters of T. angustula honey gesting that the concentration Specific Color pH Free acidity Diastase HMF Conductivity of other disaccharides and Parameter -1 -1 -1 rotation oligosaccharides (as well as (Pfund) (meq·kg ) activity (mg·kg ) (µS·cm ) (DN) other organic compounds) can be much more significant than Mean ±SD 49 ±19 4.2 ±0.3 39.2 ±22.9 16.7 ±9.2 1.3 ±2.1 658 ±57 2.6 ±1.3 it is for A. mellifera honey. Number of samples 23 12 12 8 6 2 3

FEB 2012, VOL. 37 Nº 2 145 cific rotation of miel de an- regarding this parameter miel reported by Vit et al. (1998) properties such as specific gelita. de angelita is more like A. for Venezuelan T. angustula rotation, that can provide a Color was assessed using mellifera honey than other honey (7320 ±230µS·cm-1), but fast indication of authenticity. the Pfund simplified scale, species of the tribe Meliponi- it was similar to the value Further studies to be aimed at developed originally for A. ni, agreeing with Vit et al. reported by Santiesteban- the assessment of the storage mellifera honey. The color of (1998) and Souza et al. Hernández et al. (2003; cited effects on all the parameters miel de angelita ranged from (2006). In Colombia, the stan- by Souza et al., 2006) for are recommended, specially white to light amber, in ac- dard for A. mellifera honey Mexican honeys of this spe- those that are associated to cordance to the consider- allows a minimum value of 8 cies (780µS·cm-1). Considering freshness, such as pH, acidity, ation that these honeys are DN, and a minimum of 7.0 the low number of samples diastase activity and HMF usually lighter than A. mel- can be proposed for T. angus- from which this parameter content. We foresee that this lifera honey. The free acidi- tula honey, which agrees with was measured, further studies study will boost the drafting ty varied in a wide range a former proposal of Vit et al. need to be carried out in or- of a quality standard regula- (18.3-105.1meq·kg-1) with a (2004). der to set an electrical con- tion for miel de angelita in mean value of 39.2 meq·kg-1, HMF content, which to- ductivity standard, which is Colombia, thus contributing to which is consistent to the fact gether with diastase activity relevant since this easy-to-as- protect fair trade and stimu- that acidity of most of the is often used as a parameter sess parameter can replace lating meliponiculture in this stingless bee honeys is higher of freshness in honey, was ash content as a quality indi- region. as compared with A. mellifera much lower for angelita than cator, the latter being more honey. It should be noticed the maximum value common- time-consuming, expensive ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS that the current official quali- ly accepted for A. mellifera and carries a higher error. ty standard in Colombia re- honey (40ppm). From the six Specific rotation is a prop- The authors thank the Co- quests a maximum value of samples which were analyzed erty that has not been widely lombian Ministry of Agricul- 50meq·kg-1 for A. mellifera for HMF, four were below the explored for honeys from ture and Rural Development, (Colombia, 2010), in agree- detection limit of the analyti- stingless bees, probably be- the Colombian Science, Tech- ment to most of the quality cal technique used. This part- cause of the relatively large nology and Innovation De- standards for honey that are ly differs with Torres et al. amount of sample that is re- partment (COLCIENCIAS), nowadays in force. The large (2004) who found a slightly quired. In this study it varied Universidad Nacional de Co- standard deviation observed higher value of HMF for T. from 1.5 to 4.1, with an aver- lombia, Instituto Italo-Latino- suggests a high dependence of angustula (10.3ppm) than for age of 2.3, so they are pre- americano (IILA) and the the acidity on the botanical/ A. mellifera (8.6ppm) in sam- dominantly dextrorotary, following beekeeping associa- geographical origin. The fact ples from Colombia. Grajales showing that, in spite of the tions: Asociación de Apicul- that acidity of T. angustula et al. (2001) (cited by Souza few samples assessed for this tores de Boyacá (ASOAP- honey can be much higher et al., 2006) reported the re- parameter, it becomes a po- IBOY), Asociación de Apicul- than A. mellifera honey is markably high value of tential differentiation criteri- tores de la región del Suma- also noticed as a characteristi- 39.1ppm for T. angustula hon- on, especially from A. mel- paz (ASOAPIS), Asociación cally acid flavor (Vit et al., ey from Mexico, whereas lifera of Colombia, as these de Apicultores Conservacioni- 1994, 2004, 2005; de Almeida other studies reported values honeys always retain a levoro- stas de la Sierra Nevada de Souza et al., 2004; Vit, 2005; from 4 to 10ppm (Souza et tary character (Zuluaga and Santa Marta (APISIERRA), Sosa López et al., 2004; Zu- al., 2006). Vit et al. (2004) Díaz-Moreno, 2010). The fact Asociación Apícola Comunera luaga and Díaz-Moreno, 2010) proposed that the maximum that specific rotation is related (ASOAPICOM), Apicultura but is not necessarily reflected HMF concentration standard to the concentration of levoro- Los Cerezos and Apiarios Los on pH, which also varied in a can be kept the same as for tary (as fructose) and dextro- Cítricos. wide range (3.5-4.6) but A. mellifera. The results of rotary (as glucose) compounds whose average remained in a HMF concentration found in indicates that there are other REFERENCES value usually considered high- the present study may be due not yet quantified sugars and er than that for A. mellifera to the fact that samples were other compounds with optical Anacleto D, Souza B, Marchini honey. This higher acidity is sent from nests to the labora- activity in miel de angelita. LC, Moreti AC (2009) Compo- caused by the spontaneous tory in a relatively short pe- sition of the honey of samples originated from Jataí bees fermentation associated to the riod of time, thus reducing Conclusion (Tetragonisca angustula la- high moisture content (Vit et storage effects. According to treille, 1811). Ciênc. Tecnol. al., 1994, 2004). these results, an HMF stan- Although the main compo- Alim. 29: 535-541. The diastase activity for dard of maximum 40ppm sition and nutritional charac- AOAC (2005) Official Methods of stingless bee honeys is usual- seems to be excessively high teristics of miel de angelita Analysis. Association of Ana- ly very low (Vit et al., 2004; and thus ‘permissive’ for miel are similar to those of regular lytical Communities Interna- Souza et al., 2006), except for honey, this product displays tional. 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