Influence of temperature and packaging type on quality parameters and antimicrobial properties during Yateí honey storage

Abstract Tetragonisca fiebrigi, is a bee of the subfamily Meliponidae traditionally known as Yateí. Its honey differs from the honey produced by Apis mellifera because it is less viscous, more acidic, has sweetness and particular aromas. It is important to know the behavior of yatei honey in different storage conditions, in order to preserve the characteristics of the honey and ensure the product as harmless. The objective was to determine the influence of temperature, packaging type and storage time of Yateí honey on antimicrobial properties, microbial (Total Mesophilic Aerobic and Mold and Yeast Count) and physicochemical parameters (pH, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), acidity, moisture content and diastase), with methodology of national and international standards. The antimicrobial effect was variable against strains of the genus Staphylococcus aureus. The most significant microbiological quality levels were Mold and Yeast counts (> 102 CFU / g). The physicochemical parameters with the most significant values were acidity (to: 42.5 meq acid/kg honey), moisture content (to: 26%) and HMF (to: 3.8mg/kg honey). Storage at refrigeration temperature maintained standard values close to Apis mellifera honey during 180 days; whereas at room temperature it was better to maintain antimicrobial power. No significant difference was found between plastic storage containers vs. glass.

摘要：费氏四角无刺蜂（Tetragonisca fiebrigi）是无刺蜂亚科（Meliponidae）的蜂种，传统上被称为Yateí。其蜂蜜与西方蜜蜂（Apis mellifera）所产蜂蜜存在显著差异：黏度更低、酸度更高，且兼具独特甜味与特殊香气。为保留蜂蜜固有品质并确保产品安全无害，探究Yateí蜂蜜在不同储存条件下的特性具有重要意义。本研究旨在依据国内外标准方法，明确温度、包装类型及储存时长对Yateí蜂蜜抗菌性能、微生物指标（总嗜温需氧菌数、霉菌与酵母菌数）及理化指标（pH值、羟甲基糠醛（HMF）、酸度、水分含量与淀粉酶活性）的影响。研究结果显示，该蜂蜜对金黄色葡萄球菌（Staphylococcus aureus）菌株的抗菌效果存在差异。微生物质量指标中表现最突出的为霉菌与酵母菌数（>10² CFU/g）；理化指标中变化最显著的为酸度（达42.5 meq酸/kg蜂蜜）、水分含量（达26%）及羟甲基糠醛（HMF）（达3.8 mg/kg蜂蜜）。冷藏条件下储存180天时，其各项指标可维持接近西方蜜蜂蜂蜜的标准值；而室温储存则更有利于保留其抗菌活性。塑料与玻璃包装容器之间未检测到显著性能差异。