Characterization of Manuka and Kanuka Honey by NMR-Profiling

摘要

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), which allows detection of quantitative molecular fingerprints of mixtures is already successfully being applied by the respective industries to test fruit juices and wine. Verification relies on a highly reproduc-ible technology platform is performed by comparison of the molecular fingerprint of an unknown sample with a database of authentic samples. In an analogous approach, a consor-tium consisting of ALNuMed, Bruker Biospin and QSI have developed a System for quick quantification of 38 different Parameters, as well as Classification of different honey yields. A yield of particular interest is honey harvested from Manuka trees (Leptospermum scoparium), as it is the honey sold at the highest prices. Of special concern thereby is the discrimina-tion of the very similar Kanuka (Kunzea ericoides) honey. We demonstrate the application of NMR spectroscopy for the differentiation of Manuka and Kanuka honey as well as the differentiation of Manuka honey from New Zealand and Australia. Specifically, we show that Kanuka honey contains a characteristic marker substance, which is also found in the nectar of Kanuka flowers, but not in Manuka flowers.