Volatile profile characterization of ten Algerian Unifloral honeys: Uncovering the connection to botanical sources

This study provides a comprehensive characterization of the volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles of 29 Algerian honeys, representing ten unifloral types confirmed by melissopalynology. Using HS-SPME/GC-MS, 137 VOCs were identified across 27 chemical families, mainly benzene derivatives, organooxygen compounds, fatty acids, and monoterpenoids. Although benzeneacetaldehyde was the most ubiquitous compound (80.8 %), distinctive profiles were associated with specific floral origins, such as sulfur compounds in harra honey, linalool derivatives in Bupleurum and carob honeys, and safranal in tarfa honey. Notably, the volatile profiles of harmel (Peganum harmala) and caper (Capparis spinosa) honeys are reported here for the first time. Spearman correlation analysis, supported by hierarchical clustering, confirmed strong associations between honey botanical origin and volatile compound profiles. These findings highlight the potential of VOC profiling as a reliable tool for the authentication and valorization of unifloral honeys from arid and Mediterranean regions from Algerian.