Amino Acid Profile of Fruits as Potential Fingerprints of Varietal Origin

Abstract

This study aims to assess the capability of the 1H-NMR profiling of fruits from different genera in combination with multivariate data analysis to provide feasible information for fruit juices’ authenticity in terms of botanical origin. Nine fruit varieties from four genera were selected for the experimental plan. The juice obtained from the fruits was characterized using the 1H-NMR technique, selecting the obtained amino acid profile of fruits as a potential specific fingerprint. Due to the complex information provided by the NMR spectra, a chemometric approach of the data was further applied to enable the differentiation of the fruit samples, highlighting thus its suitability as a discrimination tool for the varietal origin. The advantage of this analytical approach is given by the relatively simple working procedure, which consists of an easy, fast, and accessible preparation stage while providing complex information on fruit composition.