AMDIS-Metab R data manipulation for the geographical and floral differentiation of selected honeys from Zambia and Botswana based on volatile chemical compositions using SPME–GC–MS

Abstract

A metabolomic classification of commercial and unprocessed organic honeys from Zambia and Botswana based on geographic and floral origins was done forthwith. Classification using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry/solid phase microextraction (GC–MS/SPME) was accomplished on three commercial and three unprocessed organic honeys. The Automated Mass spectral Deconvolution and Identification System (AMDIS), Metab R, an R platform application and MINITAB version 14 partial least squares (PLS) were used for data processing. Sixteen volatile metabolites in three commercial and 40 in three unprocessed organic honeys were identified, confirmed and formed the basis for differentiation. Database search showed that the honeys were polyfloral with major ingredients coming from common flowering plants, conifers and other gymnosperms such as Carica papaya L. (papaya), Monstera deliciosa (ceriman) and fruits, i.e., guava, melon and pineapple, endemic in the areas from which the honeys originated from.