Determination of the botanical origin of honey by Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy: an approach for routine analysis

Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy has been established for analysing most of the physical–chemical parameters of honey. Additionally this technique can be used for determination of the botanical origin of a honey sample by comparison of the mid-infrared spectra. In this study calibrations for authentification of the main regional honey types should be developed to be able to measure simultaneously physical–chemical properties and the botanical origin at a minimum of time and at low costs. Honey samples from local beekeepers were collected and characterized by standard methods. The most common honey types were used for calibration. We recorded the mid infrared spectrum from each honey sample. Classification models were achieved by PCA-calibration and validated with samples from various botanical origins. Honey of Brassica spp., Robinia pseudoacacia, Calluna vulgaris, Trifolium spp., Tilia spp., Helianthus annuus, Centaurea cyanus and honeydew honey was used for calibration. Afterwards the calibration models were improved during routine analysis. Most of the honey samples from rape, false acacia, heather and honeydew can be classified correctly by the FTIR in consideration of the physical–chemical and sensorial properties.