The chemical relationship between the scent features of goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L.) flower and its unifloral honey

The marker compounds of Solidago origin in goldenrod flower and honey have been investigated. After Likens–Nickerson simultaneous distillation–extraction (SDE) the extracts were dehydrated and concentrated, then thoroughly analysed by GC–MS. Among the common compounds of the flower and honey, germacrene-D proved to be the most suitable for identification of the goldenrod origin. The presence of this constituent creates a unique sesquiterpene spectrum in aroma extracts of the flower and honey, making the recognition more precise and reliable. The aroma structure examinations revealed the characteristic scent pictures of the flower and its unifloral honey and proved that no direct “morphological” similarity/identity exists between the aromaspectra of the two fragrance extracts (honey contra flower), except the presence of the common compounds. The results of the investigations covering the 2005 and 2006 apiarian seasons showed excellent repeatability and reliability.