Xunáan Kaab · Ancestral treasure
Natural and bee-pollen Melipona honey, according to scientific research
Melipona beecheii · Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
Melipona beecheiiThe Xunáan Kab (Melipona beecheii) is a native stingless bee kept by the Maya for centuries.
That's why it's thinner than regular honey, with a slightly citrusy taste.
Wax mixed with plant resins, which add plant compounds to the honey.
More phenols, flavonoids, vitamin C and protein than the Apis honey it was compared with.
Sources: Alvarez-Suarez et al., LWT 87, 2018 [1] · Sommeijer, Bee World 80(2), 1999 [7]
Our honey
The benefits below come from laboratory studies published in scientific journals. Each section lists its source.
In vitro tests: the honey, the pollen or their extracts against bacteria and free radicals, and their chemical composition.
Uses in Maya medicine passed down through generations.
Lab results are promising, but clinical trials in people are still scarce. Our honey is a food, not a medicine.
Antioxidants, antibacterial activity in the lab and active proteins
phenolic compounds and flavonoids identified in M. beecheii honey, versus 16 in Apis honey
Compared with the Apis honey in the same study, Melipona honey had:
bacterial strains from clinical samples: Melipona honey showed the strongest activity — even compared with Manuka honey
Sources: Morroni et al., Frontiers in Microbiology 9:1378, 2018 [2] · Ramón-Sierra et al., Food Sci. Biotechnol., 2020 [3]
different proteins identified in M. beecheii honey
Sources: Ramón-Sierra et al., Food Chemistry: X 13:100177, 2022 [4] · Journal of Applied Microbiology 130(6), 2021 [5]
Traditional practices shared as cultural heritage — not health claims. Our honey is a food.
A well-known traditional remedy. We don't recommend it: our honey is a food, it isn't sterile, and the U.S. FDA has warned against honey eye drops.
Traditionally applied to small scrapes, bumps and burns.
A spoonful on its own or with lime — a home custom for the throat.
A home custom for the stomach, according to the region's folk knowledge.
Source: Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, Informe INF-2007-018, 2007 [11]
Everything in the honey, plus protein, essential amino acids and unsaturated fats
M. beecheii pollen from Yucatán, dry basis
Source: Yam-Puc et al., Journal of Food Research 14(2), 2025 [8]
Leucine, methionine, threonine and valine, among others: the ones the body can't make and must get from food.
Active against 5 bacteria of medical importance; Listeria and Pseudomonas were the most sensitive.
Its activity was higher than reported in other pollen studies.
Linoleic and linolenic acids, omega-type unsaturated fats.
All essential amino acids, fiber, carotenoids and flavonoids.
Sources: Calderón-Martínez et al., Chemistry & Biodiversity 21(12), 2024 [9] · Rebelo et al., J. Sci. Food Agric., 2021 (M. seminigra) [10]
| Feature |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidants | From the honey | From the honey and the pollen |
| Antibacterial activity (lab) | From the honey | From the honey and the pollen |
| Protein and amino acids | Small amounts | Extra from the pollen |
| Unsaturated fats | No | Yes, omega-type |
| Taste and texture | Light and citrusy | Darker and creamier |
| Best for | Tea, drizzling and skin care | Everyday nutrition and energy |
Summary of the studies above · The amount of pollen varies with each harvest
It complements, but does not replace, any medical treatment.
Do not give any honey to babies under 12 months (risk of infant botulism).
It's still sugar: talk to your doctor before eating it.
Pollen can cause reactions in people with allergies.
Not for use in the eyes.
No refrigeration needed: in a mild climate it keeps for years.
The honey of the Xunáan Kab, a native stingless bee of Yucatán that the Maya have kept for centuries.
It naturally has more moisture and acidity than regular honey. It isn't watered down.
Each hive makes only 1 to 2 liters a year, and it's harvested by hand.
The natural one is great for tea and drizzling. The pollen version adds protein, amino acids and unsaturated fats.
It doesn't need refrigeration. Tightly closed, in a mild place away from sunlight, it keeps for years.
Yes, from age 1. Babies under 12 months should not be given any honey.
Its glucose content is very similar to regular honey. Talk to your doctor before eating it.
Source: Castillo-Martínez et al., Veterinaria México OA 9, 2022 [6]
No. Our honey is a food and isn't sterile — please don't put it, or any honey, in your eyes. The U.S. FDA has warned against honey eye drops.
Our honey is a food and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Not for use in the eyes. Do not give honey to infants under 12 months.
Melipona honey from Yucatán: Maya tradition backed by science