Physico-chemical analysis of honey from bees native to Maranhao

The aim was to evaluate the physicochemical properties of honey from the Tiuba bee - Melipona compressipes fasciculata, which is native to the state of Maranhao. Two samples were collected in September and December 2006 in the locality of Cachoeira, in the municipality of Viana, in the Maranhao 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.