Scientific Study — Brazilian Native Bee Honey from Ilha do Mel

Native Bee Honey vs. Regular Honey — Scientific Comparison

Brazil is home to over 250 stingless bee species (Meliponini), many found nowhere else on Earth. These native bees are vital to Atlantic Forest pollination and produce a honey with unique biological and medicinal properties. Below is a concise, science-based comparison with regular honey from the European bee (Apis mellifera).

Scientific parameterRegular honey
Apis mellifera		Native bee honey
Meliponini (Melipona, Trigona, Scaptotrigona)
Species originNon-native to Brazil; introduced from Europe.Native South American stingless bees; high species diversity in Brazil.
Production scaleIndustrial or large-scale feasible.Small, natural colonies; harvests are limited.
Water content16–18%25–35% (naturally higher; lighter texture)
pH (acidity)3.9–4.63.2–4.0 (more acidic; inhibits microbes)
Sugar & acidsFructose + glucose.Higher fructose; organic acids (e.g., gluconic acid) give a gentle tang.
Enzyme activityTypical diastase/catalase.Elevated diastase and catalase; linked to antioxidant/repair effects.
Phenolics / antioxidants~50–200 mg GAE/kgUp to ~600 mg GAE/kg; strong antioxidant capacity.
Antimicrobial actionModerate.High activity reported against E. coli, S. aureus and Candida.
StorageStable at room temperature.Refrigeration recommended (<10°C) due to natural fermentation potential.
Flavor profileSweet, uniform.Complex, floral, citrus/tangy, sometimes resinous.
Ecological roleCrop pollination.Essential for native flora and Atlantic Forest regeneration.

Notes: Values represent Brazilian research averages. Composition may vary by species, flora, and season.

Scientific findings

  • Higher antioxidant and phenolic compounds than most tropical honeys.
  • Low pH and enzyme activity inhibit pathogen growth naturally.
  • Proven antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties.
  • Unique bioactive peptides not found in Apis mellifera honeys.

Key references

  • Souza, B. A., et al. (2018). Chemical composition and biological activity of Brazilian stingless bee honey: a review. Food Chemistry.
  • Biluca, F. C., et al. (2016). Phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity and physicochemical properties of Brazilian honey from stingless bees. Food Chemistry.
  • Vit, P.; Pedro, S.R.M.; Roubik, D.W. (2013). Pot-Honey: A Legacy of Stingless Bees. Springer.
  • EMBRAPA — Bees Research
  • UFPR — Meliponiculture studies
  • USP — Apicultural research

More than a product, native bee honey is a living connection between bees, forest, and people.
Ilha do Mel Nativo — Brazilian Native Bee Honey · Rare. Pure. Healing by Nature.

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Ilha do Mel Nativo — Brazilian Stingless Bee Honey
Ilha do Mel Nativo — Brazilian Native Bee Honey
Rare. Pure. Healing by Nature.
© Ilha do Mel Nativo — Brazilian Stingless Bee Honey • Pontal do Sul, Paraná • Brazil
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