Determination of the geographical origin of processed spice using multielement and isotopic pattern on the example of Szegedi paprika

This case study presents a fast and reliable method of combining strontium isotope ratios (Sr-87/Sr-86) with a multielement pattern (Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Mo, Cd, Ba, Pb, Th, U, Mg, Ca, Sc, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As and rare earth elements) by means of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to establish a unique fingerprint of authentic Szegedi FA +/- szerpaprika (PDO) and classify authentic and purchased paprika from different known, declared and unknown geographical origin using multivariate statistical tools (principal component and canonical discriminant analysis). Since paprika represents a processed spice, alterations in element and Sr isotopic composition throughout the production process were investigated. The Sr source in the final product was identified to stem from bioavailable Sr sources in soil. Therefore, the ammonium nitrate extract of a soil is sufficient to establish a Sr fingerprint for agricultural products of a region. As a consequence, the spice paprika can be traced back to its geographical origin even after processing.