Characterization of the key aroma compounds in peach by gas chromatography–olfactometry, quantitative measurements and sensory analysis

Abstract

The volatile compounds of peaches (Prunus persica L.) obtained from five cultivars (Chongyanghong, Y1; Ruiguang 19, Y2; Zaohongxia, Y3; Zaohong 2, Y4; and Wuyuehuo, Y5) were analyzed by gas chromatography–olfactometry (GC–O), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and GC–flame photometric detection (FPD). A total of 40 odor-active volatile compounds were observed in the GC–O experiments. Amongst those compounds, hexanal, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, (E)-2-hexenal, 3-mercaptohexanol, nonanal, γ-nonalactone, and γ-decalactone contributed greatly to aroma of peach. In addition, thirty-four quantified compounds were demonstrated as important odorants according to odor activity values (OAVs > 1). Amongst these compounds, hexanal (OAV: 28–89), pentanal (OAV: 9–16), (E)-2-heptenal (OAV: 19–60), (E)-2-hexenal (OAV: 26–86), (E)-2-octenal (OAV: 10–42), (E)-2-nonenal (OAV: 8–94), γ-decalactone (OAV: 13–34), δ-decalactone (OAV: 2–19), (R)-(−)-linalool (OAV: 29–76) and phenyl acetaldehyde (OAV: 4–59) were the most powerful compounds in five varieties of peach.