Comparison of Chemical Composition and Quality of Honey from Tetragonula clypearis and Apis cerana in North Lombok, Indonesia

Abstract

The quality of honey is strongly influenced by bee species and the types of plants used as nectar sources. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the quality of honey produced by Tetragonula clypearis and Apis cerana in North Lombok, Indonesia. Honey samples from T. clypearis were collected in Salut Village, Kayangan District, while samples from A. cerana were collected in Sukadana Village, Bayan District. The results revealed that honey from T. clypearis had significantly higher moisture content, ash, protein, total phenolics, minerals, and amino acids compared to honey from A. cerana. In contrast, the reducing sugar content was significantly higher in A. cerana honey. However, fat and flavonoid contents showed no significant differences between the two types of honey. Seventeen amino acids were identified in T. clypearis honey, while fourteen amino acids were identified in A. cerana honey. Based on the overall chemical composition, T. clypearis honey exhibited better quality compared to A. cerana honey.