A variety of volatile compounds as markers in Palestinian honey from Thymus capitatus, Thymelaea hirsuta, and Tolpis virgata

Three different unifloral Palestinian honey samples that originate from Thymus capitatus, Thymelaea hirsuta, and Tolpis virgata were analyzed by using Headspace-Solid Phase Microextraction Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC–MS). The analysis performed exhibited chromatographic profiles that are characteristics for each type of examined honey. Therefore, the proposed analytical procedure demonstrated a rapid characterization method for the analysis of these types of honeys, by revealing the presence or absence of certain organic volatile constituents. A variety of volatiles, particularly phenols, aldehydes, ketones, acids, and alcohols were detected in these types of honeys. The compounds present in each specific honey offer a marker that can be utilized in relating a given honey to its floral origin. Thymus capitatus honey showed six marker compounds: 1,3-diphenyl-2-propanone, (3-methylbutyl)benzene, 3,4,5-trimethoxy benzaldehyde, 3,4-dimethoxy benzaldehyde, vanilline, and thymol. Thymelaea hirsuta honey is characterized by the presence of a group of alcohols and phenols particularly benzene propanol, benzylalcohol, nonanol, hexanol and 4-methoxyphenol. Tolpis virgata hooney, however, has two marker compounds 3,5-dihydroxytoluene, and tridecane.