Highest Flavor Dilution Factors Research Articles

The Characterization of the Key Aroma Compounds in Non-Smoked Bacon by Instrumental and Sensory Methods.

The aroma profiles in non-smoked bacon were investigated via GC-O-MS, GC × GC-TOFMS, and GC-IMS. GC-O-MS is advantageous for detecting aldehydes. GC × GC-TOFMS is more sensitive to hydrocarbons and alcohols, while GC-IMS detects a balanced range of categories. Only 9 of the 239 detected volatiles were identifiable by all three methods. Therefore, the combination of all three methods proved to be the most effective way to comprehensively analyze the aroma profiles of bacon. Recombination and omission tests were performed using aroma compounds with a flavor dilution (FD) factor greater than 27; five volatiles were identified as key aroma compounds in non-smoked bacon, including hexanal, (E,E)-2,4-decadienal, 1-octen-3-ol, dihydro-5-pentyl-2(3H)-furanone, and 3-methyl-butanoic acid. Among these, hexanal and 1-octen-3-ol exhibited relatively high FD factors and odor activity values (OAVs), so they were confirmed as the primary contributors. Meanwhile, seven volatiles contributed to the unique aroma of non-smoked bacon in different regions. The difference in the aroma of bacon in different regions is mainly due to the content of various volatiles rather than the type. A comprehensive analysis of the aroma in non-smoked bacon can reveal theoretical information for improving the process and quality control of the product.

Study of the flavor dissipation mechanism of soy-sauce-marinated beef using flavor matrices

Soy sauce-based marinade beef (SSMB) is a traditional Chinese cuisine with a unique flavor. However, pre-precooling and air-cooling tunnels are necessary industrial units in the cold chain for flavor dissipation. Sensory-directed flavor analysis was performed to identify the key aroma-active compounds in SSMB that had just completed (100 ℃), pre-cooled in the brine tanks (45 ℃), and exited the air-cooleded tunnel (10 ℃). We identified 110 aroma-active substances, of which 42 were quantified based on their high flavor dilution factors. Recombination and omission tests identified 29 odorants as the main aroma-active molecules. Additionally, the flavor matrix revealed the relationship between the aroma component expression and sensory attributes. Flavor substances derived from spices, such as eugenol, anethole, and linalool, are enriched during the pre-cooling stage. The different meat attributes of the three samples were primarily related to aldehydes generated from lipid oxidation.

Characterization of odor properties of human milk: Effect of inter-individual nutrient differences on key odor-active compounds and odor attributes

Odor is an important indicator of human milk (HM) quality, with a proven function. Here, the effect of inter-individual nutrient differences on key odor-active compounds (OACs) and odor attributes of HM samples was investigated using flavor analysis techniques and correlation network analysis. A total of ninety-four OACs were identified from 30 HMs, of which 24 key OACs could represent the basic odor characteristics of HMs. Fat content was closely related to the amounts of OACs, with aldehydes being the most abundant species and having the highest correlation with fat content. Of them, nonanal and octanal were the most important OACs in HM, having both high flavor dilution factor (2 ∼ 64, 4 ∼ 128) and odor activity values (<1 ∼ 37, 2 ∼ 36) in most samples. Additionally, different pattern of synergism between key OACs contribute to each odor attribute of HM. These findings will provide insights for subsequent in-depth studies of HM flavor.

Comparison of aroma properties of infant formulas: Differences in key aroma compounds and their possible origins in processing

Aroma is an important attribute of infant formula (IF). In this study, 218 volatiles and 62 odor-active compounds were detected from IF by dynamic headspace sampling combined with comprehensive 2-dimensional gas chromatography-olfactometry-mass spectrometry. Aldehydes and ketones were determined as the most abundant odor-active compounds. Among them, the contents of pentanal and hexanal were the most abundant, while 1-octen-3-one had the highest flavor dilution factor and odor activity value in most of the IF. Sensory evaluation and electronic nose analysis showed that the skimming process, the fatty acid composition, and powdered or liquid milk base used for the production of IF may be important factors resulting in their differences in aroma profiles and compounds. These differences were assumed to be mainly ascribed to the Maillard reaction and lipid oxidation, which were largely influenced by the temperature and water activity.

Characterization of the odor‐active compounds responsible for atypical aroma notes in cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.)

Cocoa is the key raw material in chocolate manufacturing. The quality of cocoa is crucial for the pleasant aroma of the final confectionery products. Ideally, cocoa shows a rich aroma with floral, sour, malty, earthy, and fruity notes. However, chocolate manufacturing companies occasionally report the presence of off‐flavors in fermented cocoa at the level of the incoming goods inspection. Among them, moldy‐musty and coconut‐like notes are frequently observed. It is hard to establish the presence of off‐flavors on the base of sensory data only, as it has mainly been done so far, because this type of assessment is very subjective. Therefore, there is a strong need for an objective method based on analytical data to affirm whether a cocoa batch is suitable or not for further manufacturing. To clarify the molecular background of the moldy‐musty and the coconut‐like notes, the volatiles were isolated from fermented cocoa samples tainted with off‐flavors by solvent extraction and solvent‐assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE). The odor‐active compounds were determined by comparative aroma extract dilution analyses (cAEDA), using flawless cocoa samples as reference.The first part of the investigation was focused on cocoa samples with a moldy‐musty off‐flavor. Application of cAEDA revealed (‐)‐geosmin, 4‐methoxy‐2,5‐dimethylfuran‐3(2W)‐one, 1W‐indole, and 3‐methyl‐1W‐indole as potential off‐flavor compounds. This compound selection was based on their odor quality and higher flavor dilution factors in the off‐flavor cocoa than in the reference sample. Quantitation of the four compounds in nine off‐flavor cocoa samples and calculation of odor activity values (OAVs; ratios of the concentrations to the odor threshold values) suggested crucial roles of (‐)‐ geosmin and 3‐methyl‐1W‐indole for the off‐flavor. In the chocolate industry, their quantitation can be used to objectively assess the moldy‐musty off‐flavor at the level of the incoming goods inspection. Because both compounds are inhomogeneously distributed between testa and embryo, separate quantitation in the two parts of the seeds is required.The second part of the investigation was focused on cocoa samples with a coconut‐like note. Application of cAEDA revealed coconut‐like smelling compounds δ‐octalactone, δ‐2‐octenolactone, γ‐ nonalactone, γ‐decalactone, δ‐decalactone and δ‐2‐decenolactones as potential causative odorants. Quantitation of these six compounds and calculation of OAVs suggested δ‐2‐decenolactone as the crucial compound. Chiral analysis showed the presence of pure (R)‐δ‐2‐decenolactone, commonly referred to as massoia lactone. Its key role for the coconut note was finally demonstrated in a spiking experiment: the addition of (R)‐δ‐2‐decenolactone to the reference cocoa in an amount corresponding to the concentration difference between the two samples was able to provoke a coconut note in an intensity comparable to the one in the atypically smelling cocoa. To avoid an undesired coconut note caused by (R)‐δ‐2‐decenolactone in the final products, the chocolate industry may consider its odor threshold value, that is 100 μg/kg, as a potential limit for the acceptance of fermented cocoa in the incoming goods inspection.Caterina's thesis is publication‐based and includes the following three papers:

Characterization of the key aroma-active compounds in Qingke baijiu by application of the sensory approach

Qingke baijiu is a typical light-flavor baijiu and considered as one of the geographical indication products in China. The aroma of newly fermented original Qingke baijiu is unique and popular with consumers. In this work, the key aroma-active compounds of original Qingke baijiu (QKJ) were characterized by combined instrument analysis with sensory analysis. A total of 54 aroma compounds with high flavor dilution factors (FD values≥ 9) were screened out by gas chromatography–olfactometry (GC–O) combined with aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA). After quantitation, 28 aroma-active compounds had odorant activity values (OAVs) > 1 in QKJ. Recombinant and omission experiments further proved that the esters and alcohols, especially ethyl lactate, phenylethyl acetate, ethyl hexanoate, 2-methyl-1-butanol, ethyl acetate, γ-nonalactone and 2,3-dimethyl-5-ethyl pyrazine were critical to the flavor of QKJ. Consequently, this research reveals the characteristics of QKJ and provides theoretical support for production and quality control assurance.

Sotolon and (2E,4E,6Z)-Nona-2,4,6-trienal Are the Key Compounds in the Aroma of Walnuts.

Fresh kernels of the walnut tree (Juglans regia L.) show a characteristic and pleasant aroma, the molecular basis of which was unknown. The application of an aroma extract dilution analysis resulted in 50 odor-active compounds. Among them, 37 had not been reported as fresh walnut kernel volatiles before, including the two odorants with the highest flavor dilution factors, namely, fenugreek-like smelling 3-hydroxy-4,5-dimethylfuran-2(5H)-one (sotolon) and oatmeal-like smelling (2E,4E,6Z)-nona-2,4,6-trienal. Quantitations revealed 17 odorants with concentrations in the walnuts that exceeded their odor threshold concentrations. Aroma reconstitution and omission experiments finally showed that the characteristic aroma of fresh walnuts is best represented by a binary mixture of sotolon and (2E,4E,6Z)-nona-2,4,6-trienal. Of both, the natural concentration was ∼10 μg/kg. Further sensory studies showed that the walnut character is intensified when their concentrations are in parallel increased to ∼100 μg/kg. This finding may guide the future breeding of new walnut cultivars with improved aroma.

Insights into the Key Odorants in Large-Leaf Yellow Tea (Camellia sinensis) by Application of the Sensomics Approach

Large-leaf yellow tea (LYT) is a yellow tea product with a specific aroma characteristic and is enjoyed with increasing enthusiasm in China. However, its key odorants are still unknown. In this study, 46 odorants in the headspace and vacuum-distillate of the tea infusion were identified via aroma extract dilution analysis. Sixteen compounds were newly found in LYT infusion. They were present in the highest flavor dilution factors together with 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine. All odorants were quantitated to evaluate their own odor activity values (OAVs). High OAVs were found for 2-methylbutanal (malty, 210), (E,E)-2,4-heptandienal (fatty/flowery, 170), 2-methylpropanal (malty, 120) and 2,3-diethyl-5-methylpyrazine (earthy/roasty, 110). An aroma recombinate consisting of 17 odorants (all OAVs ≥ 1) in an odorless nonvolatile LYT matrix mimicked the overall aroma of the original infusion, verifying the successful characterization of key aroma components in a LYT beverage. The knowledge of key odorants obtained showed potential for simplifying industrial flavor optimization of the LYT product.

Characterization of Key Odor-Active Off-Flavor Compounds in Aged Pasteurized Yogurt by Sensory-Directed Flavor Analysis

The purpose of this study was to determine the key odor-active compounds contributing to the off-flavor of aged pasteurized yogurt (APY) using sensory-directed flavor analysis. Additionally, different extraction methods were compared to determine their effects on the volatile compounds, including dynamic headspace sampling (DHS), solid-phase microextraction, and stir bar sorptive extraction, and DHS was found to be suitable for this study. The results showed that comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-olfactometry-mass spectrometry analysis (GC × GC-O-MS) had more advantages in separating and identifying the volatile compounds than the traditional GC-O-MS. A total of 17 odor-active compounds were determined in the fresh pasteurized yogurt and APY samples by DHS coupled with GC × GC-O-MS. The dynamic headspace dilution analysis demonstrated that 2-heptanone and hexanal were the most vital components in APY with the highest flavor dilution factor. Furthermore, the spiking and omission experimental results revealed that the odor-active compounds, such as 2-heptanone, butanoic acid, pentanoic acid, hexanal, and (E)-2-heptenal, were the key odor-active off-flavor contributors in APY. Therefore, these compounds could be used as potential indicators to determine the freshness of pasteurized yogurt.

Changes in the Major Odorants of Grape Juice during Manufacturing of Dornfelder Red Wine.

Application of the aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) on a distillate prepared from freshly squeezed juice of Dornfelder grapes revealed (3Z)-hex-3-enal and trans-4,5-epoxy-(2E)-dec-2-enal with the highest flavor dilution (FD) factors. In contrast, in the final Dornfelder wine prepared thereof, the highest FD factors were found for 2-phenylethyl acetate, 2-phenylethan-1-ol, and (E)-β-damascenone. However, for example, among others, (3Z)-hex-3-enal no longer appeared as an important odorant. To monitor the olfactory changes occurring in single processing steps from Dornfelder grapes to the final wine, selected odorants in grape juice, must, and young as well as aged wine from the same batch of Dornfelder grapes were quantitated. In particular, (3Z)-hex-3-enal and hexanal decreased considerably during mashing, while, as to be expected, the concentrations of yeast metabolites, e.g., odor-active alcohols and esters, drastically increased during fermentation. To reveal the influence of barrel aging, the odorants of the same Dornfelder wine aged in either barrique barrels or steel tanks were compared.

Study of aroma generation pattern during boiling of hot pot seasoning

Hot pot is popular among consumers because it provides a rich and multi-level flavor experience during boiling. In this study, the aroma compounds of hot pot seasoning (HPS) during different boiling times were characterized by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography–olfactometry–mass spectrometry. Twenty-four aroma-active compounds with high flavor dilution (FD) factors were selected by aroma extract dilution analysis. Based on the odor activity values (OAVs), 23 key aroma-active compounds were identified as characterizing the main aroma profile of HPS during boiling. Furthermore, multivariate statistical analysis was used to screen out 10 key differential aroma-active compounds, which were used to distinguish the difference in aromas for HPS during the different boiling times. Finally, kinetic fitting was used to reveal the generation regularity of these 10 compounds. The results showed significant changes in the content of acetophenone, (E)− 2-heptenal and phenylacetaldehyde, conforming to first-order kinetics during boiling. However, other compounds were not well-fitted into the classical reaction kinetics models.

Effect of Wort Boiling on Volatiles Formation and Sensory Properties of Mead.

Mead is an alcoholic beverage based on bee honey, which can be prepared in different variations such as modified honey-water compositions, the addition of spices, and the use of different yeast strains. Moreover, the technological process of mead production such as the step of wort preparation (with or without boiling of wort before fermentation) can be modified. All these factors might have a significant impact on the formation of aroma-active compounds, and therefore, sensory acceptance by consumers. High vacuum distillation, using the so-called solvent assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE) technique, or headspace-solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) were applied for the isolation of the odorants. A sensory profile was used to monitor the changes in the aroma of the mead samples. Twenty-eight aroma-active compounds were detected during aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) based on gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O) and were finally identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) using authentic reference compounds, including methyl propanoate, methyl 3-(methylthio)propanoate, and methional, all of them were identified for the first time in mead. Compounds with high flavor dilution (FD) factors were quantitated via stable isotope dilution analysis (SIDA) and revealed ethyl acetate (16.4 mg/L) to be the most abundant volatile compound, increasing to 57 mg/L after wort boiling, followed by ethyl hexanoate (both 1.2 mg/L). Furthermore, key aroma compounds were esters such as ethyl hexanoate, ethyl octanoate, and ethyl 3-methylbutanoate. The sensory panel evaluated ethanolic, honey-like, clove-like, sweet, and fruity notes as the main aroma descriptors of mead. The significant change in sensory evaluation was noted in the sweet odor of the heat-treated mead.

Reconstitution of the Flavor Signature of Laobaigan-Type Baijiu Based on the Natural Concentrations of Its Odor-Active Compounds and Nonvolatile Organic Acids.

Nonvolatile organic acids (NVOAs) associated with the Laobaigan flavor type of Baijiu were analyzed by a derivatization method, and 37 NVOAs were quantified. In addition, 33 odorants were judged to have high flavor dilution factors by application of aroma extract dilution analysis and quantification by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and GC combined with quadrupole time-of-flight MS. The quantitative data obtained for the odorants and NVOAs were used to recombine the overall flavor of Baijiu. The odor of the reconstitution of the odor-active volatiles and the NVOAs was more similar to that of the original Baijiu sample than the sample that only contained odor-active volatiles, and the alcoholic and sweety flavor odor characters were reduced, while others, that is, fruity, acidic, floral, jujube and grain, were amplified. It was shown for the first time that NVOAs have effects on the volatiles in Baijiu and might obviously influence the intensity of certain aroma qualities.

Characterization of Key Aroma-Active Compounds in Rough and Moderate Fire Rougui Wuyi Rock Tea (Camellia sinensis) by Sensory-Directed Flavor Analysis and Elucidation of the Influences of Roasting on Aroma.

Rougui Wuyi rock tea (WRT) with the premium aroma is a subcategory of oolong tea. Roasting is a unique process that provides a comprehensive aroma to WRT. The key aroma-active compounds of rough Rougui WRT (RR) and Rougui WRT with moderate fire (RM) were characterized by sensory-directed flavor analysis. A total of 80 aroma-active compounds were identified by gas chromatography-olfactometry-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (GC-O-TOF-MS) and two-dimensional comprehensive gas chromatography-olfactometry-mass spectrometry (GC × GC-O-MS), and 42 of them revealing high flavor dilution (FD) factors (16-4096) during aroma extract dilution analysis were quantitated. Finally, the aroma recombination and omission experiments confirmed 26 odorants as key aroma-active compounds in Rougui WRT. Roasting enhanced the aroma of roasted, woody, burnt/smoky, and cinnamon-like odor impressions in RM evoked by 2- and 3-methylbutanal, furaneol, 3-methylbutanoic acid, propanoic acid, methional, β-myrcene, 2-pentylfuran, 5- and 6-methyl-2-ethylpyrazine, and furfural. In contrast, hexanal, linalool, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, (Z)-4-heptenal, (E)-2-heptenal, geraniol, pentanal, and β-nerolidol were responsible for the more intense floral, fruity, and grassy/fresh leaf-like aroma attributes in RR.

Characterization of odor-active compounds in moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens Mazel) leaf via gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry, one- and two-dimensional gas chromatography-olfactory-mass spectrometry, and electronic nose

The leaf of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens Mazel) is rich in odorant compounds, which is important natural materials for the production of flavor. It also contains phenolic acids, amino acids and peptides, which is a potential source of natural bioactive compounds. The study of odor-active compounds in bamboo leaves can provide a basis for the discovery of natural flavor. The leaf, stem, and powder of moso bamboo were analyzed by gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS). Main odor-active compounds in moso bamboo leaf were analyzed and characterized by (1) a gas chromatography olfactory mass spectrometry (GC-O-MS), (2) two-dimensional gas chromatography olfactory mass spectrometry (GC × GC-O-MS) and (3) electronic nose (E-nose). Based on aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA), 13 key odor-active compounds with high flavor dilution (FD) factor (≥27), including 3-methyl-1-butanol, (E)-2-hexenal, ethyl hexanoate, (Z)-4-heptenenal, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, octanal, ethyl (Z)-3-hexenoate, 1-hexanol, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, (E, E)-2,4-heptadienal, (Z)-2-hexen-1-ol, 1-octen-3-ol and benzaldehyde, were further analyzed. The compounds detected by the above four methods were (E)-2-hexenal, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, octanal, (E, E)-2,4-heptadienal, 1-octen-3-ol and benzaldehyde, and all of which were the main and potential odorants of moso bamboo leaf.

Effect of sourdough fermented with corn oil and lactic acid bacteria on bread flavor

Corn oil and Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis) were selected for improving the sourdough bread aroma, and their effect on bread flavor was studied. Volatile compounds (VOCs) in sourdough and bread crumbs were determined by gas chromatography−mass spectrometry. The results demonstrated that the VOC profiles appeared mainly dominated by alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, acids, esters, and heterocyclic compounds. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis showed that the formation of most alcohols were promoted by L. lactis, while corn oil addition yielded more aldehydes, ketones, and furans. Further analysis of odor-active components in bread was characterized by aroma extract dilution analysis and odor activity value (OAV). In the sourdough bread obtained with the addition of corn oil and lipase, (E,E)-2,4-decadienal, 2-pentylfuran, 1-octen-3-ol, 3-methylthio-1-propanol, and (E)-2-nonenal had higher flavor dilution factors and OAV, which were the key aroma compounds distinguished from other varieties of breads.

Characterization of the Key Odorants Causing the Musty and Fusty/Muddy Sediment Off-Flavors in Olive Oils.

Microbial spoilage of olive fruits is among the most frequent reasons for two types of off-flavors in olive oils, assigned as musty and fusty/muddy sediment. To characterize both off-flavors on a molecular level by means of the sensomics approach, the key aroma compounds in a premium extra virgin olive oil (PreOO1) eliciting the typical sensory properties were compared to those identified in two off-flavor olive oils obtained from the International Olive Council (IOC). A comparative aroma extract dilution analysis (cAEDA) followed by identification experiments revealed 53 odorants in the musty reference olive oil (MusOO1) and 48 odorants in the fusty/muddy sediment one (FusOO1). Odorants, differing in flavor dilution (FD) factors or showing a high FD factor in at least one of the olive oils, were quantitated by stable isotope dilution analysis (SIDA), followed by the calculation of odor activity values (OAVs; ratio of concentration of an odorant to the respective odor threshold in odorless refined sunflower oil). Aroma recombination and omission experiments revealed 13 key aroma compounds in MusOO1 and 12 in FusOO1. To demonstrate the importance of volatile phenols, 10 phenolic smelling odorants were quantitated in further 13 extra virgin olive oils, in 3 musty and in 13 fusty/muddy sediment defective olive oils, and in 8 olive oils with other off-flavors. Both sensory defects could successfully be discriminated from extra virgin olive oils by applying either a principal component analysis or a hierarchical cluster analysis. Considering possible reaction pathways and all results obtained including Pearson coefficients between the odorant concentrations and the intensities of the defects, specifically 2-methoxyphenol and 4-ethylphenol were proposed as marker compounds for the quality assignment of both types of off-flavors induced by microbial spoilage among the identified key aroma compounds.

Identification of Light-Induced Key Off-Flavors in Ponkan Mandarin Juice Using MDGC-MS/O and GC-MS/PFPD.

Light-induced off-flavor compounds in Ponkan mandarin juice were investigated during its shelf-life by headspace solid-phase microextraction multidimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry/olfactometry (MDGC-MS/O) and a GC-MS/pulsed flame photometric detector (GC-MS/PFPD). A total of 34 aroma-active compounds with flavor dilution (FD) factors from 2 to 128 were tentatively identified by aroma extract dilution analysis-MDGC-MS/O. Among them, a light-induced off-flavor compound with a high FD factor, methional (cooked potato), was positively identified in the Ponkan mandarin juice at the end of the shelf-life. In addition, 11 volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), including 6 screened shelf-markers (variable identification, VID > 0.80), were identified in Ponkan mandarin juice by a sulfur detector (PFPD). Four VSCs exhibited odor activity values exceeding 1. Three VSCs (methanethiol, dimethyl trisulfide, and methional) were confirmed as key light-induced off-flavor compounds in Ponkan mandarin juice based on addition/omission experiments. Furthermore, light irradiation accelerated the degradation of sulfur precursors (methionine and MMS) and the formation of these VSCs leading to an increase in off-flavor intensity.

Characterization of odor-active compounds in high-salt liquid-state soy sauce after cooking

GC × GC–O–MS was used for the aroma extract dilution analysis of cooked high-salt liquid-state soy sauce (HLS), wherein a number of components exhibited high flavor dilution (FD) factors. Electronic nose analysis showed that the heating temperature had a greater influence on the odor characteristics of soy sauce than the heating time. Sensory evaluation and the FD factor of odor-active compounds suggested that the caramel-like/sweet, roasted/roasted nut-like and spicy/burnt odor intensities of the boiled soy sauce were stronger than following heating at a higher temperature. These results indicate that different heating conditions could change the intensities of caramel-like/sweet, roasted/roasted nut-like and spicy/burnt in soy sauce during cooking by the concentrations changing of corresponding odor-active compounds. This study can provide basic data for the application of HLS aroma in food processing, and provides a reference for the application of HLS aroma in daily cooking and diet.

Key Odorants of Raw and Cooked Green Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes L.).

Volatile compounds of raw and cooked green kohlrabi were investigated using a sensomics approach. A total of 55 odor-active compounds were detected and identified in raw and cooked green kohlrabi using GC-O. Twenty-eight odor-active compounds with high flavor dilution (FD) factors ranging from 64 to 1024 were quantitated, and odor activity values (OAVs) were determined. Eight compounds showed high OAVs in raw and cooked kohlrabi: five sulfur compounds (dimethyl trisulfide, methyl 2-methyl-3-furyl disulfide, and three isothiocyanates (1-isothiocyanato-3-(methylsulfanyl)propane, benzyl isothiocyanate, and 1-isothiocyanato-4-(methylsulfanyl)butane)), two lipid oxidation products (1-octen-3-one and trans-4,5-epoxy-(2E)-dec-2-enal), and 2-isopropyl-3-methoxypyrazine. Among these, the sulfur compounds contributed most to the overall smell of the raw and cooked vegetables. The quantitation analysis indicates that the eight odorants are the backbone compounds for raw and cooked kohlrabi. The OAVs for the backbone compounds and also for minor odorants are clearly higher in raw kohlrabi than in the cooked one. Differences can be explained by the influence of the cooking process.