Comparison of Aroma Profiles of Traditional and Modern Zhenjiang Aromatic Vinegars and Their Changes During the Vinegar Aging by SPME-GC-MS and GC-O

Abstract

Zhenjiang aromatic vinegar is one of the most popular vinegars in China, which can be produced by either traditional or modern techniques. Aroma profiles of the traditional Zhenjiang aromatic vinegar (TZAV) and the modern Zhenjiang aromatic vinegar (MZAV) at different stages of their aging were analyzed by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) with an aid of DVB/CAR/PDMS fiber combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O). A total of 53 volatile compounds were identified. Among them, 43 aromas were positively identified after comparison with their corresponding authentic compounds. Two volatiles, including isopentyl alcohol and butyl benzoate, were only identified in TZAV, while propiophenone was only identified in MZAV. In addition, some volatiles were found to be generated during the aging period, which included isopentyl alcohol, 3-(methylthio)propyl acetate, and 2-acetoxy-3-butanone in the TZAV samples, and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, octanoic acid, propiophenone, and dimethyl trisulfide in the MZAV samples. The total amount of volatile compounds in the MZAV was greater than its counterpart TZAV. Moreover, 29 odor-active compounds were recognized by GC-O analysis, while 25 of them were confirmed by their authentic compounds, and their perceived odors included sweet, acid, buttery, floral, herbal, fruit, fresh, pungent, almond, and geraniol notes.