A COMPARISON BETWEEN
TRIGONA HONEY AND MANUKA HONEY
All honey has some level of hydrogen peroxide produced by the honey’s enzymes which is antibacterial. These enzymes are however easily destroyed by exposure to heat, light, and by contact with body fluids. However there are some special honeys that have antibacterial properties separate from the peroxide effect, which results in a more constant and stable antibacterial action (non-peroxide activities).
MANUKA
Manuka honey is produced by the bee species apis mellifera, and its properties is derived from the active ingredient “methylglyoxal” in the manuka nectar. The active level of the manuka honey is dependent on the exclusivity of the bees’ visit to the manuka flower. Hence every batch of honey needs to be certified by the UMF Honey Association.
APIS MELLIFERA
BEE
HONEY PRODUCTION
30kg per hive a year
FEEDING
Requires maintenance feeding with sugar and pollen substitute during off-season, or when honey flow is not available
SUSTAINABILITY
Low tolerance to pest and diseases, and requires medication – e.g. antibiotic, miticides, etc
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POLLINATION
Long distance forager up to 5 kilometres radius, which means less thorough pollination
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MAINTENANCE
Requires plenty of equipment like frames, wax foundation, queen excluder, smoker, honey extractor, protective clothing, etc
INSPECTION
Requires frequent inspection. Minimum of once every week
TRIGONA
For trigona honey (tetragonula / melipona), the beauty lies in the hive’s pods (cerumen) which is made from both beeswax and plant resin (propolis). It is the propolis that gives trigona honey its antimicrobial properties. Hence regardless of the nectar source, the honey would naturally be infused with propolis - ensuring its consistent antibacterial properties.
TRIGONA BIROI (STINGLESS) BEE
HONEY PRODUCTION
500g per hive a year
FEEDING
There is no need for maintenance feeding since they store surplus pollen throughout the year
SUSTAINABILITY
High tolerance to pest and diseases because of their smaller size and extensive use of propolis which serves as germicidal and pest repellent – no need for medication
POLLINATION
Short distance forager up to 500 meter radius, which means more intensive pollination of crops nearby
MAINTENANCE
There is need for only two boxes when being used for pollination
INSPECTION
Inspection is every three to four months