Calidad de miel por “abejas nativas” (Meliponini) en la Región San Martín, Perú

Beekeeping has become an economic alternative for the inhabitants of rural communities in the San Martin region of Peru. This article aimed to evaluate the quality profile of honey samples from two native stingless bees produced in San Martin. In this study, the 2A x 2B factorial experiment was applied, considering two rural districts (Yantalo and San Roque de Cumbaza) and two species of native stingless bees (Melipona eburnea and Tetragonisca angustula). The analysis of reducing sugars was carried out using the HPLC method and the soluble solids were determined by means of a table refractometer, while the sensory analysis was carried out considering the following attributes: color, humidity, intensity of aroma, aroma and aftertaste flavor. Regarding the sensory evaluation, honey samples from both species were accepted, although differences were identified. In San Roque de Cumbaza, M. eburnea honey was described as sweeter and in Yantalo, T. angustula honey was described as sweet and sour. In addition, in relation to the quality of the honey samples, the results show that the parameters established by current legislation for Apis mellifera are not adequate for some variables analyzed, being necessary to standardize the guidelines for honey from native stingless bees in our country. country.