摘要：The objective of this work was to use electrochemical analytical methods to evaluate and compare the main quality parameters for samples of honey of Apis mellifera (Apis) and Meliponini honeys from five different regions of Mexico and one from Argentina.There is few information about the composition of stingless bee honey, and no official quality control standards have been developed in Mexico or any country. Existing honey standards in Mexico and the world cannot be applied to Meliponini honey. The quality parameters quantified in the ho ney samples were: hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), moisture, ash, reducing sugars, and pH.Quantification of HMF and fructose was carried out with differential pulse polarography (DPP) using the calibration curve method. DPP is direct, and, because no other chemical reagents are used, lowers costs and health risks.On the other hand, the potentiometric monitoring of the progression of the Fehling reaction confirmed the reaction stoichiometry and produced more accurate and reproducible results.The principal difference between the Apis and Meliponini honeys was the relatively high moisture content in the later. The Meliponini samples had a lower mean ash content and pH than the Apis samples. As expected, reducing sugars content was lower in the Meliponini honey samples. Mean HMF content for the Apis honeys was below established limits while mean content for the Meliponini honeys was above them; however, both types varied widely. This is a preliminary study which aims to help developing quality standards for honey Meliponini and expand their marketing potential.
