Aroma investigation of unifloral Greek citrus honey using solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatographic–mass spectrometric analysis

The aroma of Greek citrus honey was investigated by means of SPME–GC/MS analysis. A total of 61 compounds could be identified, with lilac aldehydes predominating the extract. These compounds can be considered the most powerful markers for citrus honey. Additionally, the two isomeric dehydroxy linaloxides, lavender lactone, dill ether, the four isomers of 1-p-menthen-9-al, methyl anthranilate and nerolidol could aid the botanical discrimination. Of the compounds identified, five are reported as honey constituents for the first time, that is trans- and cis-dehydroxy linaloxides, 1,8-menthadien-4-ol, limonene-10-ol and methyl N-methylanthranilate.