Joint Metabolites for Avocado Oil Identity: Fatty Acid Profiles and Fatty Alcohol Esters as Unique Derivatives

Fatty acid (FA), tocopherol, and phytosterol profiles are used in avocado oil purity standards. However, blends with other oils can mimic the profile of pure avocado oil, resulting in similar ranges for these molecules. Therefore, fatty alcohol esters (FAEs) uniquely of spp. were assessed as complementary markers in the chemical profile of pure avocado oil. Utilizing HPLC-TOF-MS and UPLC-MS/MS for identification and HPLC-DAD-ELSD for quantification, major FAEs were analyzed in nine cultivars. Major FAEs included Persin (20-48%), AcO-avocadyne (11-44%), Persenone A (12-30%), and AcO-avocadene (3-24%). Metabolic balance between the main FAs (C18:1n-9, C16:0, C16:1n-9, and C18:2n-6), vaccenic (C18:1n-7), two C17-FAs, and low levels of C18:3n-3 and stearic acid marked the pattern. Relationships between avocado FAs and FAEs were assessed, reinforcing the relevance of both metabolite groups to the fingerprinting of avocado oil and as novel composition biomarkers.