EXTRACTIVES FROM NEW-ZEALAND HONEYS .5. ALIPHATIC DICARBOXYLIC-ACIDS IN NEW-ZEALAND REWAREWA (KNIGHTEA-EXCELSA) HONEY

Thirty-two aliphatic dicarboxylic acids were identified as methyl este rs in the methylated diethyl ether extracts of four unifloral grade Ne w Zealand rewarewa (Knightea excelsa) honeys using combined gas chroma tography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). 2-Methoxybutanedioic acid (O-methy lmalic acid) and 4-hydroxy-3-methyl-trans-2-pentenedioic acid are prop osed as floral marker substances for New Zealand rewarewa honey. The t otal level of aliphatic dicarboxylic acids identified in the rewarewa honey samples ranged from 64 to 111 mg/kg with an average level of 88 mg/kg.