Valorization of a new local food community: the case study of Acqualagna White Truffle by using a UHPLC-Q-ToF untargeted approach

White Truffle is the most expensive edible underground mushroom, and it is appreciated food for its extraordinary aroma. This study is the first step of a research project with an integrated territorial valorization strategy on the case study of white Acqualagna truffle and includes its analytical characterization. The volatile profile was identified by GC-MS, and it was compared with the descriptors obtained by sensory analysis. The elemental composition was investigated through ICP-MS. To analyze the non-volatile profile of Tuber magnatum an untargeted metabolomics approach using UHPLC-Q-ToF was applied. Analysis was performed both in positive and negative polarity acquisition modes allowing the identification of 322 and 134 potential metabolites. More than 60 compounds, in a total of 456, reported a total identification score match greater than 90%. This untargeted approach enabled the discovery of potential white truffle metabolites that have not yet been studied. Four metabolites such as azelaic acid, riboflavin, miltefosine and 2-Isopropylmalic acid were detected and quantified with UHPLC-Q-TOF for the first time in white truffes. The results of target analyses shown the presence of 2-Isopropylmanlic acid in concentrations similar to those identified in some Italian wines (Ricciutelli et al. 2019). In conclusion, this project is the first step for the original chemical valorization of a new local food community with high impact. The paper’s results contribute to the scientific knowledge of local product in terms of opportunities for implementing an integrated valorization of the agri-food system strategy of the case-study area.