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Geochemical caper fingerprints as a tool for geographical origin identification
Salvatore Pepi1, Alessandro Sardella2, Alessandra Bonazza2
1Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, University of Ferrara, via Saragat 1, 44121, Ferrara, Italy. ppesvt@unife.it.
Environmental Geochemistry and Health
|January 5, 2018
Summary
Geochemical soil analysis reveals distinct elemental fingerprints in caper buds (Capparis spinosa L.) from Italy's Aeolian Islands. This research aids in verifying the origin and quality of high-value capers, preventing product fraud.
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Agricultural Science
- Food Authenticity
Background:
- Geographical origin identification is crucial for food quality and preventing label fraud.
- Caper buds (Capparis spinosa L.) from Italy's Aeolian Islands are highly valued.
- This study focuses on Aeolian Islands capers, specifically from Lipari and Salina.
Purpose of the Study:
- To correlate geological and geochemical soil features with caper bud chemical composition.
- To identify geochemical fingerprints for authenticating Aeolian caper origin.
- To support the protection of "Made in Italy" caper products against fraud.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of major and trace elements in soil and caper samples using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
- Comparison of data from three localities in Lipari and Salina using nonparametric tests, correlation tests, and principal component analysis (PCA).
Main Results:
- Soils were successfully discriminated based on their geolithological characteristics.
- A statistically significant correlation was found between soil and caper samples for Cobalt (Co), Iron (Fe), Magnesium (Mg), and Rubidium (Rb).
- These elements serve as potential geochemical markers for caper origin.
Conclusions:
- Geochemical analysis of soil and caper buds can effectively determine geographical origin.
- The identified elemental correspondences provide a scientific basis for caper authentication.
- These findings support the protection of high-quality Aeolian capers and the "Made in Italy" designation.
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