Physicochemical Properties of Two Mexican Stingless Bee Honeys to Strengthen Their Biocultural Value

Honey production in Mexico is an ancient economic, social, and biocultural activity for indigenous communities, Mayas, and Totonacs, among others. Stingless bee honeys are used in traditional medicine to treat gastrointestinal, respiratory, dermatological, and ophthalmic ailments as they contain compounds with antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal activities. Here, a comprehensive physicochemical characterization of Mexican stingless bee honeys is presented as a contribution to strengthening the practice of meliponiculture by native Mayan and Totonac communities. By delivering information on the main physicochemical parameters for the honeys of Melipona beecheii and Scaptotrigona mexicana, it is intended to increase their commercial and biocultural value in different regions of Mexico, taking into consideration the different zootechnical management techniques used by these communities. A statistical analysis was performed to identify if there were significant differences in the physicochemical parameters evaluated. Significant differences were observed in moisture level, pH, sugar composition, and HMF content between at least two of the honeys analyzed. Furthermore, a principal component analysis confirmed these differences by showing a distinct profile for Scaptotrigona mexicana honey when compared to the honeys of two other species. Here, the information that stingless beekeepers can use to classify and characterize the honeys they produce is provided. This information will complement the indisputable efforts by native populations to conserve biological biodiversity, the defense of their territories, and the various ancestral practices employed for the breeding, management, and reproduction of stingless bees. Furthermore, this information will help to increase the economic sustainability of meliponiculture by these communities.