Ionomic exploration of the geographical and geological origins of mountain pasture cow milks in the French Massif central

Ionomic profiling was used to characterize the multielemental composition of raw cow milk during mountain pasture in the French Massif central, and to assess its potential as an indicator of geographical and geological origin. Eighteen milk samples were analyzed by ICP-MS from farms in three mountain sectors (Sancy, Cantal, Other), located on volcanic and non-volcanic sites. Of the 61 analyzed elements, 32 were consistently quantified, several of them (Pd, Zr and Nb) being reported for the first time in milk. Multivariate statistical analyses permitted to differentiate geographical provenances and geological conditions based on specific sets of elements. Pearson correlations analyses revealed geology-driven soil-to-milk transfer processes, exemplified by the element pairs - (Rb,Te) and (Sr,Pd), underscoring the influence of terroir on milk composition. Further research should focus on the soil-plant-milk continuum to better understand these geochemical pathways and to support the concept of milk terroir for the PDO cheese sector. • Ionomic profiling applied to raw cow milks from French mountain pastures • ICP-MS identified 32 elements with geographic and geologic variability. • Elements (Pd, Zr, Nb) reported for the first time in raw cow milk. • Multivariate analysis confirmed the relevance of geological conditions for milk traceability. • Rb Te and Sr Pd revealed geology-driven soil-to-milk transfer processes.