Homogentisic acid: a phenolic acid as a marker of strowberry-tree (Arbutus unedo) honey

Analysis of organic acids in strawberry-tree (Arbutus unedo) honey showed the presence of an unknown acid as the main constituent. This compound was isolated and identified as homogentisic acid (2,5-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid) by MS and NMR techniques. Its average content in honey was 378 ± 92 mg/kg. Analysis of nectar confirmed the floral origin of the compound found in honey. Since this acid was not detected in any of the different monofloral honeys, it could be used as a marker of strawberry-tree (A. unedo) honey