Characterization of milk by analysis of its terpene fractions

Summary Thirty‐five representative samples of milk from either a highland area of France (Auvergne region) or a lowland area of France (Brittany region) were collected in spring and summer (grazing periods), and in winter (stabling period). The monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes extracted from the milk fat were semi‐quantified by dynamic headspace–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (DHS‐GC‐MS). Milk samples were classified by factorial discriminant analysis. Milk collected in the Auvergne highland area was richer in sesquiterpenes than that collected in the Brittany lowland area. All the samples were correctly classified according to their geographical origin irrespective of seasonal herd management pattern. These findings show that the assay of terpene compounds can provide useful fingerprints for the characterization of dairy produce according to geographical area and production conditions.