Identification of the lipid components of honey

The constituent lipids of Greek Honey have been isolated and studied by an initial simple extraction procedure (comparable to that of counter-current distribution) and consequent chromatographic separation on a silicic acid column. The fractions collected were subjected to: (I) qualitative T.L.C before or after saponification and (II) gas-chromatographic analysis of methyl esters. In addition to the fatty acids mentioned by other investigators, honey has been found to contain a number of neutral lipids, albeit in small amounts, i.e. hydrocarbons, waxes, cholesterol esters, fatty acid esters, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, sterols, dihydroxy and trihydroxy compounds, as well as some esters of polyols. The probable nature of another three unknown constituents is also discussed.