Determining the geographical origin of flaxseed based on stable isotopes, fatty acids and antioxidant capacity.

Background Flaxseed is an economically important oilseed crop whose geographic origin is of significant interest to producers and consumers because every region may exhibit particular quality characteristics. The lipid/fatty acid method of determining the geographic origin of flaxseed has not been found to be adequate. Results To improve the discrimination rate and the geographical traceability of this crop, the chemical profiles of the flaxseed samples were characterized via lipids/fatty acids, stable isotopes, and antioxidant capacity. Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were also performed. A satisfactory discrimination rate of 98.6% was obtained after combining fatty acids, stable isotopes, and antioxidant capacity to trace the origin of flaxseed from five regions in northern China. Conclusion This study provides an effective method for distinguishing the geographic origin of flaxseed. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.