Characterization of Volatile Compounds and Sensory Properties of Chaste (Vitex agnus-castus L.) Honeys

Abstract

In this study, it was aimed to characterize some physical and chemical properties, volatile compounds and sensory properties of chaste honey produced in Aydın, Çanakkale, İzmir and Muğla provinces. A total of 16 different volatile compounds (4 aldehydes, 3 furans, 2 alcohol, 2 sulphur compounds, 2 terpenes, 1 alkane, 1 benzenic compound and 1 ketone) were identified in the evaluated chaste honeys. It was determined that common volatile compounds of chaste honeys were dimethyl sulphide, octane, nonanal, 2-furancarboxaldehyde, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, 1- (2-furanyl) -ethanone, benzaldehyde, 5-methyl-2-furancarboxaldehyde, and benzenacetaldehyde. Benzenacetaldehyde was the most abundant volatile compound in all chaste honeys, followed by benzaldehyde and 2-furancarboxaldehyde. As a result of the sensory evaluation, floral, fruity, caramel-like, bitter almond, fermented, animal-like, spicy, waxy, and woody aroma characters, sweet and sour taste characters and astringent mouthfeeling were detected in chaste honeys. The floral, fruity, caramel-like, sweet, and sour characters were intensely perceived in all samples.