Physico-chemical analysis of honey from bees native to Maranhão

The aim was to evaluate the physicochemical properties of honey from the Tiúba bee - Melipona compressipes fasciculata, which is native to the state of Maranhão. Two samples were collected in September and December 2006 in the locality of Cachoeira, in the municipality of Viana, in the Maranhão lowlands. Quantitative analyses were carried out: Brix level, humidity, acidity, ash, reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars, total sugars, pH, color and water-insoluble solids, and qualitative analyses: adulterants (Lund, Fiehe and Lugol) and diastase activity.