Determination of potential volatiles markers from citrus, eucalyptus, cotton and wildflower Palestinian honeys using SPME followed by GCMS analysis

The volatiles of Palestinian honeys from citrus of the orange blossom (citrus spp.), eucalyptus (eucalyptus camaldulensis), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and wildflower (poyfloral) were investigated. They were separated, identified and quantitatively analyzed by using Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (HS-SPME-GCMS) technology to estimate the amount of volatiles evolved. Although the investigated honeys have some volatiles in common but still each of them possess specific characteristic volatiles. For example, citrus honey was characterized by the presence of three volatile compounds namely, 2-methoxy-4 (1-propanol) phenol, 1-hydroxylinalool, and 2-amino benzoic acid methylester. These compounds are absent from all other honeys. Eucalyptus honey was found to have 2-propyl-1-pentanol and pentadecane as potential markers. Cotton honey was characterized by the presence of three markers, 2-furanomethanol, eicosane and 2-methyl decanol. The wildflower honey is distinguished from other floral honey by the presence of three volatile marker compounds the hexadecane, heptadecane and 3,4-dimethyl benzaldehyde.