Effects of Harvest Time and Acacia crassicarpa Age on the Physicochemical Characteristics of Apis mellifera L. Honey in Tropical Indonesian Forests

The comprehensive understanding of the physicochemical profile of monofloral honey derived from Acacia crassicarpa, specifically in the Indonesian tropical forest ecosystem, has not been fully explored. The physicochemical characteristics of honey significantly influence its quality and consumer acceptance. Harvest time and the age of Acacia plants, which are suspected to affect honey’s physicochemical properties, are this study’s focal points. Our objective is to analyze the impact of harvest time and Acacia age on the physicochemical characteristics of honey. Using a complete randomized block design, treatments were administered at 14, 21, and 30 days of harvest within three Acacia age groups: 3, 8, and 18 months. The honey composition was assessed following the Indonesian National Standard 8664:2018 procedure. The statistical analysis determined the optimal harvest period for honey by assessing its physicochemical properties and comparing them to the Indonesian National Standard 8664:2018 procedure (SNI 8664:2018 standards). One-way analysis of variance evaluated the effects of harvest time and plant age on composition, followed by a least significant difference tests to identify significant differences between harvest times. Results indicate a significant influence of harvest time and Acacia age on all honey composition variables, including diastase enzyme activity, hydroxymethylfurfural content, moisture level, sugar content, and acidity (P<0.01). Our findings suggest optimal honey harvest at 30 days, aligning with the 8th and 18th months of A. crassicarpa. Most variables met SNI 8664:2018 standards, except acidity levels. Further investigation is needed to discern the causes of acidity in Apis mellifera honey from Indonesian peat swamp forests.