A report on the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of three Indonesian forest honeys produced by Apis dorsata

Indonesia, one of the largest tropical forests, offers a diverse range of nectar sources that 21 contribute to the unique qualities of forest honey. This study aims to investigate 22 physicochemical and antioxidant properties of Apis dorsata forest honey from three distinct 23 regions of Indonesia. Physicochemicals including moisture (18.00%–18.67%), color (L*: 24 15.96–40.58, a*: 1.07–32.91, b*: -0.06–68.50), EC (0.56–3.32 mS/cm), TDS (283.00–1660.00 25 ppm), TSS (0.65–2.76 g/100 g), density (1.34–1.37 g/mL), diastase (2.23–5.17 DN), HMF 26 (0.36–3193.10 mg/kg), pH (3.90–4.43), acidity (66.25–122.57 meq/kg), ash (0.10%–1.35%), Preprint not peer reviewed This preprint research paper has not been peer reviewed. Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=5014419 27 protein (338.89–915.19 µg/mL), and reducing sugars (59.88–78.90 g/100g). Antioxidants were 28 assessed by TPC (1010.75–2488.89 mg GAE/kg), TFC (126.89–885.49 mg QE/kg), DPPH 29 IC50 (15.37–44.06 mg/mL), AEAC (253.54–726.22 mg AEAC/kg), and FRP (1509.86–5154.75 30 mg AAE/kg). PCA successfully distinguished the honey samples based on these 31 physicochemical and antioxidant characteristics. These findings provide valuable insights into 32 the variability of Indonesian forest honeys and serve as scientific support as well as highlighting 33 their potential health benefits