Comparative analysis of the volatile composition of honeys from Brazilian stingless bees by static headspace GC–MS

Abstract

The volatile composition of honeys produced by eight species of stingless bees collected in three municipalities in the state of Paraná (Brazil) was compared by combining static headspace GC–MS and chemometrics methods. Forty-four compounds were identified using NIST library and linear retention index relative to n-alkanes (C8–C40). Linalool derivatives were the most abundant peaks in most honeys regardless geographical or entomological origin. However, Principal Component Analysis discriminated honeys from different geographical origins considering their distinctive minor volatile components. Honey samples from Guaraqueçaba were characterized by the presence of hotrienol while those from Cambará showed epoxylinalol, benzaldehyde and TDN as minor discriminating compounds. Punctual species such as Borá showed similar fingerprints regardless geographical origin, with ethyl octanoate and ethyl decanoate as characteristic intense chromatographic peaks, which may suggest a specialized behavior for nectar collection. Discriminant Analysis allowed correct geographic discrimination of most honeys produced in the three spots tested. We concluded that volatile profile of stingless bee honeys can be used to attest authenticity related to regional origin of honeys.