Characterization of the volatile profile of unifloral honey from Kashmir Valley of India by using solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

The aim of the study was to characterize the volatile profile of three different unifloral honeys (apple, cherry and saffron) from Kashmir Valley of India by using solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry in order to discriminate between their floral origins. A total number of 42 volatiles, particularly aldehydes, esters, ketones, organic acids, hydrocarbons and alcohols, were detected, out of which 29 volatile components were detected for the first time as compared to data available from other countries. Only two compounds furfural and o-hydroxyanisole were found in all honey samples in the average range of 0.082–0.122 and 0.007–0.011 µg/g, respectively. Some volatile compounds present in each specific honey have also been detected in their respective floral origin, thus could be used as chemical markers in defining a given honey to its floral origin. Results showed unique floral markers to authenticate the botanical origin of apple honey, saffron honey and cherry honey allowing their marketing as monofloral rather than generic honey.