Characterization of Bolivian Honeys from Honeybees and Stingless Bees

Bolivia (South America) hosts a rich variety of bee species that contribute to honey production. While {Apis mellifera} honey is well-documented worldwide, the honey produced by stingless bees (Meliponini) remains relatively understudied. Given the increasing interest in the characterization of honeys from diverse botanical and ecological origins, studying the properties of both {A. mellifera} and stingless bee honey provides valuable insights into their quality, authenticity, and potential health benefits. Whitin the SANAPI project, designed to strengthen environmental management initiatives and safeguard production systems that promote forest protection in some Bolivian areas, we analysed honey samples collected by beekepers of rural communities across the country. The microbiological and nutritional quality of honey from stingless bees and honeybees were compared. The analysis of sugars, total aminoacids, proline, 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (5-HMF) was carried out by UHPLC-HR-MS. Minerals were analysed by ICP-MS, while total polyphenols (TP) by Folin-Ciocalteu method. Microbiological analyses for total microbial count, yeast and molds and sulphite reducing anaerobes were conducted according to ISO standards and Regional guidelines. The results refer to 23 honey samples from Meliponini bees and honeybees. Only for one sample from {Scaptotrigona}, the measured values were above the acceptability level for the European marketing of this product. {Apis mellifera} honey contained higher amount of fructose and glucose (above 64%) compared to stingless bee honey which content was below the quality criteria (at least 60%) reported in the Directive 2001/110/EC. {Apis mellifera} honey contained also more aminoacids (mainly proline), and minerals (potassium, magnesium and zinc). No difference was observed for the levels of 5-HMF that resulted below the legal limits (< 40 mg/kg; Directive 2001/110/EC). Finally, a wide variability in the TP content (range 50-2200 mg/kg) was documented within and between bee species, in line with the data of the literature. In conclusion, the preliminary findings have highlighted several differences in the nutritional content between bee honeys. The completion of the analysis will be fundamental for acquiring data useful for a better characterization of the different Bolivian honeys and towards the creation of a honey library.