Spectroscopic Analysis of Raw Stingless Bee Honey for Freshness Evaluation

¹ FTKEE, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), Pekan, Pahang, Malaysia.
² FKE, University of Technology Malaysia (UTM), Skudai, Malaysia.
³ Bukit Rangin Secondary School (BRASS), 25150 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia.

Abstract

Stingless bee also known as Kelulut produces honey that is highly valued for its distinctive taste and therapeutic properties. Therefore, quality assessment is essential for both consumers and producers. Conventional methods for evaluating honey quality are often time consuming and reagent-dependent. This study investigates ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy as a rapid, non-destructive technique for assessing the quality of raw Kelulut honey. Absorbance spectra were recorded in the 200–1100 nm range using a Maya2000 Pro spectrometer as a detector and a DH-2000-BAL Deuterium-Halogen light source. The spectrum analysis was performed via SpectraSuite software. Particular attention was given to the 284 nm peak, corresponding to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a recognized marker of honey degradation. The results revealed a strong correlation between increased absorbance at 284 nm and elevated HMF levels, demonstrating the method’s effectiveness in tracking quality deterioration. Unlike conventional techniques, the approach requires no chemical reagents, enables real-time monitoring, and offers portability for field applications. Overall, UV spectroscopy provides a reliable, cost-effective solution for objective and efficient evaluation of Kelulut honey quality.