HPLC flavonoid profiles as markers for the botanical origin of European unifloral honeys

Abstract

The HPLC phenolic profiles of 52 selected unifloral honey samples produced in Europe were analysed to detect possible markers for the floral origin of the different honeys. Lime-tree (five markers), chestnut (five markers), rapeseed (one marker), eucalyptus (six markers) and heather (three markers) honeys had specific markers with characteristic UV spectra. In addition, the flavanone hesperetin was confirmed as a marker for citrus honey, as well as kaempferol for rosemary honey and quercetin for sunflower honey. Abscisic acid, which had been reported to be a possible marker for heather honey, was also detected in rapeseed, lime-tree and acacia honeys. Ellagic acid in heather honey and the hydroxycinnamates caffeic, p-coumaric and ferulic acids in chestnut, sunflower, lavender and acacia honeys were also detected. The characteristic propolis-derived flavonoids pinocembrin, pinobanksin and chrysin were present in most samples in variable amounts.