Stingless Bee Honey Value Addition

Abstract

Stingless bees are types of bees that are different from the common honey bees. They belong to many different species and may be endemic in some places. They are much smaller in size compared to honey bees. However, their size is also varied across the different species. They do not sting, rather, they can bite. They usually defend themselves mainly by being a nuisance to the intruder. Stingless bee honey is also referred to as pot honey. This honey and its products are in high demand, but the supply is insufficient. This is because the stingless bees produce much smaller quantities of honey compared to the honey bees. The quality of their honey varies with the species, which helps to develop niche markets. Honey, whether of stingless bees or honey bees, is a plant product. Its quality and nutritive value therefore depends on the forages where bees collect nectar. Stingless bees collect nectar from high density of plants compared to honey bees.