biostudies-literaturePavlin AOperational program "Science and Education for Smart Growth" and co-funded by the EUOperational program „Science and Education for Smart Growth“ and co-funded by the EUSlovenian Research Agency2826https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC10417852biostudies-literatureUnknown12(15)In the present study, the potential of elemental analysis combined with statistical tools to identify honey origin was evaluated by mineral characterization of 173 honeys of 13 floral types (acacia, fir, spruce, linden, chestnut, lavender, coriander, thistle, honeydew, rosemary, sage, euphorbia and ziziphus plant species) collected from five geographical regions (Slovenia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Morocco). The objective of the study was to accurately and reliably differentiate the mineral composition among honey varieties. The aim was to establish traceability, to ensure product authenticity and to improve quality control measures within the honey industry. For this purpose, 18 major, minor and trace elements were quantified using microwave digestion, followed by ICP-MS measurement.Foods (Basel, Switzerland)Honey Origin Authentication via Mineral Profiling Combined with Chemometric Approaches.PMC10417852BG05M2OP001-2.016-0013PS-0153Petrova PPavlin AKocar DKolar MImperl JMarolt GfalseHoney Origin Authentication via Mineral Profiling Combined with Chemometric Approaches.In the present study, the potential of elemental analysis combined with statistical tools to identify honey origin was evaluated by mineral characterization of 173 honeys of 13 floral types (acacia, fir, spruce, linden, chestnut, lavender, coriander, thistle, honeydew, rosemary, sage, euphorbia and ziziphus plant species) collected from five geographical regions (Slovenia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Morocco). The objective of the study was to accurately and reliably differentiate the mineral composition among honey varieties. The aim was to establish traceability, to ensure product authenticity and to improve quality control measures within the honey industry. For this purpose, 18 major, minor and trace elements were quantified using microwave digestion, followed by ICP-MS measurement.2023-01-01T00:00:00Z2023 Jul2025-07-04T03:05:59.769Z2025-04-06T08:13:54.632ZS-EPMC104178523756909510.3390/foods12152826