Endang S. Gultom, Rini Hafzari, Eva S. Dasopang, Destria Roza, Lidya, Nurul N. Primadiaty, Stephanie F H. Piliang, Hestia Hairima, Sutristo, Asep Arifin, Guntur Berlian
Stingless bee honey produced by Trigona species has attracted increasing scientific interest due to its distinctive physicochemical properties and diverse chemical composition. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical quality and establish a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) based chemical fingerprint of Trigona honey from Riau Province, Indonesia, in accordance with the Indonesian National Standard SNI 8664:2024. Physicochemical parameters, including moisture content, ash content, pH, acidity, reducing sugars, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), sensory characteristic and microbial contamination, were analyzed using standardized methods. The results showed that the honey complied with SNI 8664:2024 requirements, exhibiting acceptable sensory properties, a moisture content of 22.01%, low HMF levels, and no detectable heavy metal or microbial contamination. GC–MS analysis identified eight major compounds, with 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (42.04%), pyranone derivatives, and other organic constituents associated with honey quality and bioactivity. These findings provides a distinctive chemical fingerprinting of Riau Trigona honey and supports is authenticity and quality characterization. Overall, this study confirms that Riau Trigona honey meets national quality standards and thus supports quality control, standardization, and the futher development of stingless bee honey products. © 2026 Gultom et al.
Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Negeri Medan, Jl. William Iskandar Ps. V, Deli Serdang, North Sumatera, 20221, Indonesia; Universitas Tjut Nyak Dhien, Gg. Rasmi No.28, Sei Sikambing C. II, Kec. Medan Helvetia, North Sumatera, Kota Medan, 20123, Indonesia; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Negeri Medan, Jl. William Iskandar Ps. V, Deli Serdang, North Sumatera, 20221, Indonesia; Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl. Ir. Soekarno Km. 21, Hegarmanah, Jatinangor, West Java, Sumedang, 45363, Indonesia; PT Akar Rimba Nusantara, Jl. Setiabudi No.2 Dusun IV, Galuh City, Serdang Bedagai Regency, North Sumatra, Perbaungan, 20986, Indonesia
