Rapid identification of triacylglycerol-estolides in plant and fungal oils

► Presence of TAG-estolides in plant and fungal oils was demonstrated using non-destructive 1H MAS-NMR and intact seeds or fungal material. ► Presence of TAG-estolides in oils was demonstrated using MALDI-TOF MS with a THAP matrix made up in sodium chloride-saturated solvent. ► TAG-estolide structure was determined using MALDI-TOF MS/MS and diagnostic ions are described.