Key Odorants Research Articles

Chemical, microbiological, textural, and sensory characteristics of pilot-scale Caciofiore cheese curdled with commercial Cynara cardunculus rennet and crude extracts from spontaneous and cultivated Onopordum tauricum

The aim of this study was the chemical, microbiological, textural, and sensory characterization of pilot-scale prototypes of an Italian ewe’s raw milk cheese (Caciofiore) curdled with commercial Cynara cardunculus rennet, used as a control, and crude extracts obtained from flowers of either spontaneous or cultivated Onopordum tauricum. Hence, the control and experimental cheese prototypes produced in two rounds of cheesemaking trials were assayed, at the end of their 60-day maturation, for the following features: pH, titratable acidity, dry matter, fat, total and soluble nitrogen (TN and SN, respectively), ash, salt, protein, lactose, viable plate counts and composition of the bacterial and fungal populations, color, texture, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and olfactory attributes by sensory analysis (the latter for the sole prototypes curdled with the commercial rennet and the extract obtained from cultivated O. tauricum). The data overall collected showed a very low impact of the type of thistle rennet on the analyzed cheese traits, with significant differences being exclusively found for SN/TN%, titratable acidity, color, and adhesiveness. By contrast, a higher impact of the cheesemaking round was seen, with significant differences being observed for salt content, load of presumptive lactobacilli, thermophilic cocci, and Escherichia coli, and levels of the following VOCs: 2,3-butanedione, 2-pentanone, 1-butanol, 2-heptanone, 3-methyl-1-butanol, 2-heptanol, 2-nonanone, dimethyl trisulfide, 2-methyl propanoic acid, butanoic acid, and 3-methyl butanoic acid. Sensory analysis revealed a strong ewe’s cheese odor, accompanied by other olfactory notes, such as pungent, sour curd, sweet, and Parmesan cheese-like notes, in all the analysed cheese prototypes. Moreover, key odor active compounds, including butanoic acid, ethyl butanoate, 2,3-butanedione, 1-octen-3-one, and dimethyl trisulfide, were identified by GC-olfactometry analysis. Regarding the odor attributes as determined by sensory analysis, again the type of rennet had an almost negligible impact, with significant differences being only perceived for 1 or 2 out of 20 odor attributes, depending on the analytical conditions applied. Although some aspects deserve further investigation, the results herein collected confirm that O. tauricum can be regarded as an alternative source of thistle rennet for the manufacture of Caciofiore cheese, and more in general, Mediterranean ewe’s milk cheeses.

Investigation on the changes of odor-active compounds of Amomum tsao-ko during natural drying

To characterize the key odorants in Amomum tsao-ko (AT) and to investigate their changes during natural drying, volatile compounds of AT were extracted and analyzed by solvent extraction combined with solvent-assisted flavor evaporation and gas chromatographymass spectrometry–olfactometry. A total of 41 aroma-active compounds with flavor dilution factors ranging from 3 to 6561 were identified in AT. Fourteen odorants were determined to be the key odorants by quantitation analyses, odor activity value (OAV) calculations, recombination and omission experiments. To further investigate the changes in aroma components in AT during natural drying, the concentrations and OAVs of odor-active compounds were measured at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, and 20 days. The results showed that the number of aroma-active components did not change during natural drying, but their content changed with different trends. The concentration of geraniol showed a continuous upward trend; those of hexanal, octanal, nonanal and pinocarvone decreased first and then increased; those of α-pinene, sabinene, 2-nonanone, (E)-2-octenal, 2-nonanol, 4-terpineol, epidolichodial and (E,E)-2,4-dodecadienal changed on a fluctuating trend, while those of the other 28 compounds showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. These results provide a theoretical basis for further utilization of AT.

How anaerobic treatment is controlling the volatile components and key odorants of purple-colored leaf tea

Special purple-colored leaf tea products rich in γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) have recently gained popularity. Although anaerobic treatment could effectively increase the GABA content in tea products, it also imparted an unknown unpleasant aroma. This study aimed to elucidate the dynamic effects of anaerobic treatment on volatile components during the purple-colored leaf tea processing and reveal the key aroma-active components. A total of 112 volatile components were identified, and it was found that anaerobic treatment could facilitate the accumulation of 2-heptanol, (E)− 2-hexenal, ethyl salicylate, phenylethyl alcohol, and (E,E)− 2,4-decadienal, but inhibited the formation of (Z)− 3-hexenyl acetate and methyl jasmonate. Moreover, 17 potent odorants including (E)-β-ionone, linalool, hexanal, 2-heptanol, (Z)− 3-nonen-1-ol, and (E,E)− 2,4-decadienal were distinguished as the key odorants of purple-colored leaf tea products rich in GABA based on gas chromatography–olfactometry and odor activity value analysis. These results provide new insights into the effect of anaerobic treatment on tea volatile metabolites.

Comparative Analysis of Key Odorants and Aroma Characteristics in Hot-Pressed Yellow Horn (Xanthoceras sorbifolia bunge) Seed Oil Via Gas Chromatography-Ion Mobility Spectrometry and Gas Chromatography-Olfactory-Mass Spectrometry.

Volatile compounds (VOCs) present in the oil extracted from yellow horn seeds were first analyzed using GC-IMS and GC-O-MS at varying roasting temperatures. A total of 97 VOCs were detected using GC-IMS, while 77 were tentatively identified using GC-O-MS. Moreover, both methods allowed the identification of 24 VOCs, of which the type of aldehydes is the most abundant. Combining the results of GC-IMS, GC-O-MS, OAVs, and VIP, it was concluded that hexanal, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, heptanal, 2-pentylfuran, 1-hexanol, and 1-octen-3-ol were the key aroma compounds. The PLS-DA and OPLS-DA models have demonstrated the ability to discriminate between different oil roasting temperatures with high accuracy. The roasting temperature of 160 °C was found to yield the highest content of main aroma substances, indicating its optimality for yellow horn seed oil production. These findings will prove beneficial for optimizing industrial production and enhancing oil aroma control.

Understanding the role of lipids in aroma formation of circulating non-fried roasted chicken using UHPLC-HRMS-based lipidomics and heat transfer analysis

The role of lipids in aroma formation of circulating non-fried roasted (CNR) chicken with different roasting times was studied using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS)-based lipidomics and heat transfer analysis. Thirteen odorants were confirmed as important aroma compounds of CNR chicken, including dimethyl trisulfide, 3,5-dimethyl-2-ethylpyrazine, nonanal, and 1-octen-3-ol. A comprehensive lipidomics analysis identified 1254 lipids in roasted chickens, classified into 23 distinct lipid categories that included 281 phosphatidylcholines (PC), 223 phosphatidylethanolamines (PE), and 202 triglycerides (TG). Using OPLS-DA analysis, the lipid PG (18:1_18:1) showed promise as a potential biomarker for distinguishing between chickens subjected to CNR treatments with varying roasting times. The lipids PC, PE, and their derivatives are likely to play a crucial role in the formation of aroma compounds. In addition, TGs that contributed to the retention of key odorants in roasted chicken included TG (16:0_16:0_18:1), TG (16:0_16:0_18:0), and TG (16:0_18:1_18:1). Findings further showed that lower water activity and specific heat capacity promoted the formation and retention of aroma compounds during the CNR process. This study contributed to a better understanding of the formation of aroma compounds through lipid oxidation in roasted chicken.

GC–MS, GC–O, and sensomics analysis reveals the key odorants underlying the improvement of yellow tea aroma after optimized yellowing

An optimized yellowing process for yellow tea (YT) was recently developed. The study found that the optimized yellowing process caused a significant increase in sweet and floral aromas by 31.3% and 24.0%, respectively. A total of 21 aroma-active compounds were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and gas chromatography–olfactometry (GC-O) combined with sensomics analysis. Quantification of the 15 aroma-active compounds and calculation of odor activity values (OAVs) showed that the OAVs of sweet and floral aroma compounds increased significantly by 986.2% and 46.4%, respectively, after the optimized yellowing process. Sensory-directed aroma reconstitution and omission experiments confirmed that dimethyl sulfide, 3-methylbutanal, β-ionone, β-damascenone, geraniol, phenylacetaldehyde, and linalool were the key odorants in YT after the optimized yellowing process. Odorant addition tests further demonstrated that β-damascenone (OAV 590.4) was the main odorant for YT sweet aroma enhancement, while β-ionone (OAV 884.6) was the main odorant for YT floral aroma enhancement.

Effect of solvent extraction on the key aroma components of Tamarindus indica L. pulp

The volatile organic components (VOCs) of Tamarindus indica L. (TIL) pulp and the extraction of TIL were analyzed by headspace solid-phase microextraction with gas chromatographymass spectrometry (HS-SPME–GCMS) to characterize key odorants and investigate their changes during solvent extraction (SE). A total of 109 VOCs were identified in TIL pulp. Twenty-two odorants were determined to be key odorants, and 12 differential aroma components were identified using the relative odor activity value (ROAV) method and multivariate statistical analysis. Among these, phenylacetaldehyde, nonanal and phenethyl alcohol were the common key aroma components of four TIL pulps. In addition, the effect of SE on the aroma composition of TIL was analyzed according to changes in the glucose and fructose contents of TIL pulp combined with sensory evaluation. The results showed that SE affected the aroma of TIL pulp, among which the contents of ethyl palmitate, diethyl succinate, 1-tetradecene, 1-hexadecene, heptadecane, ethyl phenylacetate, and ethyl oleate showed significant differences before and after extraction. The present research refines the existing aroma composition system of TIL and provides a reference for further development and utilization of TIL.

Exploring the formation and retention of aroma compounds in ready-to-eat roasted pork from four thermal methods: A lipidomics and heat transfer analysis

For the first time, the formation and retention effects of key aroma compounds in ready-to-eat pork roasted using circulating non-fried roast (CNR), microwave heat (MWH), superheated steam (SHS) and traditional burning charcoal (BCC) were comprehensively analyzed. The results showed that 20 out of 50 odorants were key aroma compounds. The 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, trimethylpyrazine, and LPC 18:2-SN1 were potential biomarkers that distinguished roasted pork. Phospholipids, especially phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylserine (PS), and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), played a crucial role on the generation of key aroma compounds in roasted pork. Moreover, triglyceride (TG) that included TG (16:0_18:1_18:1), TG (16:0_18:0_18:0), and TG (16:0_18:0_18:1) were responsible for the retention of key odorants. This study further found that appropriate heat transfer conditions (thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity), and water activity contributed to the formation and retention of key odorants in roasted pork. The CNR method could be a promising alternative to the traditional BCC method in roasted pork.

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.

Insight into the comparison of key aroma-active compounds between camellia oils from different processing technology

Currently, the difference between key odorants of camellia oils from different processing technology (i.e., extra virgin camellia oil (EVCO), virgin camellia oil (VCO), fragrant camellia oil (FCO)) is unclear. In this study, a total of 91 odorants were identified by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography and quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC × GC-qMS). The headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) provided fingerprint information for 57 odorants distinguished between EVCO, VCO, and FCO. Moreover, 76 odorants were shown flavor dilution (FD) factors range from 1 to 729, and fruity esters (ethyl 2-hydroxypropanoate, ethyl decanoate, and ethyl phenylacetate) with FD factors ≥ 27 and odor activity values ≥ 1 are the unique odorants in EVCO. (E, E)-2,4-Heptadienal, (E, E)-2,4-nonadienal, and d-limonene are the aroma-active compounds in VCO. While furfural and 3-ethyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazine with FD factors ≥ 243 are the major contributors to roasted and nutty odor in FCO. This work provides aroma markers for quality assessment of camellia oils.

Characterization of the key odorants in fresh Amomum tsao-ko Crevost et Lemaire fruit by gas chromatography-olfactometry, quantitative analysis and aroma reconstitution

To decode key odorants (KOs) in fresh Amomum tsao-ko Crevost et Lemaire fruit (FAF) and investigate the effect of isolation methods on KOs and enantiomer ratios, volatiles were isolated using both direct solvent extraction combined with solvent-assisted flavor evaporation (DSE-SAFE) and hydrodistillation (HD) and analyzed by gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry/olfactometry. In total, 55 odor-active compounds with flavor dilution factors between 1 and 8192 were identified, of which 36 and 39 odorants were detected in the SAFE and HD isolates, respectively. By quantitative analysis and odor activity value calculation, 22 odorants in the SAFE isolate and 25 odorants in the HD isolate were determined to be FAF KOs. The differences in the concentrations and the number of KOs caused the two isolates to have different odor characteristics. The recombination experiment further confirmed the results. Among the three studied chiral odorants, including linalool, 4-terpenol, and α-terpineol, the (S)-(−)-enantiomer was dominant, and the (S)-(−)-enantiomer inverted into the (R)-(−)-enantiomer during HD.

Comparative study on key odorants of Jiujiang Fenggang Huangjiu and their succession regularities during aging using sensory-directed flavor analysis

Huangjiu was a Chinese national alcohol with a unique flavor. The key odorants in Jiujiang Fenggang Huangjiu (JJFG) and their succession regularities during aging were systematically researched by a sensomics analysis approach. The volatiles of JJFG were isolated by solvent-assisted flavor evaporation, 77 odorants were identified using gas chromatography–olfactometry-mass spectrometry combined with odor-specific magnitude estimation. Three aroma recombinants, prepared using odorants with odor activity values ≥ 1, all showed good similarities with their corresponding samples (92.1%∼97.5%). After omission/addition tests, 7 new key aroma compounds were found in JJFG, including 1-octen-3-one, 1-pentanol, guaiacol, ethyl 2-hydroxy-4-methylpentanoate, 2-phenethyl acetate, ethyl butanoate, and (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal. Using orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis, 20 compounds with VIP ≥ 1 were found to be important indicators during aging of JJFG. Among them, sotolon, 3-methylsulfanylpropanal, et al. increased with aging. The improved solid-phase extraction can effectively quantify sotolon, with a recovery rate of 80.96%∼91.75%.

Changes in the aroma and key odorants from white garlic to black garlic using approaches of molecular sensory science: A review

Black garlic is a relatively new product that has become very popular in recent years. It is obtained by fermenting raw (white) garlic by the application of heat treatment. The undesirable pungent odor of the white garlic disappears and the black garlic product with a sweet-sour flavor is formed after various reactions during the applied heat process. As a result, black garlic is more preferred and easily consumed by the consumers compared to white garlic. This review aims to summarize the studies on the changes in the odorants during the heat treatment employed in the production of black garlic as well as the factors affecting the changes in the aroma and aroma-active compounds and the use of molecular sensory science (MSS) approach, which has been applied in recent years as a new method for the determination of the aroma compounds. This work revealed that the use of the MSS on the aroma changes in black garlic is quite limited in the literature. Thus, more studies are needed to understand the aroma changes that occur during the formation of black garlic from white garlic in more detail.

Evaluation of the Chemosensoric Properties of Commercially Available Dog Foods Using Electronic Sensors and GC-MS/O Analysis.

Pet owners think of their animals as part of their family, which further promotes the growth of the pet food market, encouraging pet owners to select nutritious, palatable, and high-quality foods for pets. Therefore, the evaluation of taste and volatile compounds in pet foods is essential to improve palatability. In this study, the sensory characteristics of taste and odor compounds in 10 commercially available dry dog foods were investigated using electronic tongue (E-tongue), electronic nose (E-nose), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O). Dry dog foods were separated based on the sensory properties of taste and volatile compounds through the multivariate analysis of integrated results of the E-tongue and E-nose. A total of 67 odor active compounds were detected through GC-MS and GC-O, and octanal, nonanal, 2-pentyl furan, heptanal, and benzaldehyde were identified as key odor compounds which may have positive effects on food intake. The multivariate analysis was used to classify samples based on key odor compounds. Volatile compounds responsible for aroma properties of samples were evaluated using GC-O and multivariate analysis in this present study for the first time. These results are expected to provide fundamental data for sensory evaluation in producing new dog foods with improved palatability.

Comparison of Flavor Profile Relationship of Soy Sauce under Different Storage Conditions.

To elucidate the relation of flavor in soy sauce (SS) kept at room temperature (SSAT) and SS kept under accelerated aging condition (SSAA), four analytical instruments, including electronic nose (E-nose), electronic tongue (E-tongue), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-olfactory combined with solvent assisted flavor evaporation, and amino acid analyzer, were applied for analyzing the overall flavor profiles and flavor constituents in SSAT and SSAA. The results of E-nose and E-tongue showed overall flavor profile in SSAT for 3 weeks was similar to that of SSAA for 1 week, and 6 weeks (SSAT) was similar to 2 weeks (SSAA). In SS, a total of 35 odor-active compounds were identified and quantitated, and 22 compounds with odor activity value ≥1 were determined as key odorants. The compounds with the highest concentration were 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone (28,756 μg/mL), followed by acetic acid (8838 μg/mL) and maltol (7984 μg/mL). The heatmap and hierarchical cluster analysis indicated that the concentrations of key odorants and amino acids in SSAT for 3 weeks was close to those of SSAA for 1 week, and 6 weeks (SSAT) was similar to 2 weeks (SSAA). Based on the results obtained above, it was concluded that the flavor changes in SSAA for 1 week were equivalent to those in SSAT for 3 weeks.

Identification of key odor-active compounds and development of odor wheels in rubber product industries using TD/GC-O-MS, OAV, and statistical analysis

Accurate identification of key odorants has become a challenging and urgent task due to the increasing severity of odor nuisance. This study aims to rapidly and accurately identify 20 key odorants in different rubber product industries and treatment procedures using a combination of sensory evaluation, gas chromatography–olfactory–mass spectrometry (GC-O-MS), statistical analysis, and odor activity value (OAV) analysis. The identified odorants include alcohols, acids, aldehydes, ketones, sulfides, aromatic compounds, alkanes, alkenes, and other compounds. These compounds are categorized as sour, odorous, bitter, rubbery, and foul rubber-like, which are commonly associated with odor pollution in the rubber product industry. An odor wheel specific to rubber product enterprises is developed by combining chemical analysis with sensory evaluation of odorants. This odor wheel can be used for rapid traceability and identification of odor pollution at industrial sites. Results present a novel approach and theoretical framework for the traceability and control of odor pollution in the rubber industry.

Quality control, ontogenetic variability and sensory profiling of ‘cilantro-mimic’ spiny coriander (Eryngium foetidum L.): A flavour perspective

Spiny coriander (Eryngium foetidum L.) is a cilantro-flavoured aromatic oil-bearing herb and traditional food flavouring agent. In this study, a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry technique was developed in conjunction with cluster analysis for its quality control and chemotaxonomic differentiation with common coriander. Spiny coriander was distinguished by a high ratio of fatty aldehydes versus fatty alcohols (378.5:1.0) and trans-alkenals versus alkanals (16.3:1.0) in the essential oil. A systematic investigation on its ontogenetic variability recommended the harvest of whole aerial part at full maturity to maximize the oil yield (24.6 mg/plant). Various sensory analyses established the uniqueness in its odour with more pungency (but less sweet and earthy) compared to common coriander. Volatile chemo-profiling revealed high abundance of fatty aldehydes (98.36%) over alcohols (not detected) as the chemical origin of its sensorial distinguishability. trans-2-Dodecenal, major oil constituent was found to be the key odorant and odour-mimic to this herb. The preference test demonstrated the potential of its essential oil (0.005–0.01% v/v) as a unique and readymade natural flavour in soup. Thus, the current study described an authentication technique, ontogenetic variability and sensorial profile of spiny coriander oil in reference to common coriander that may encourage its inclusion in food industries.

Elucidation of baking induced changes in key odorants of Red Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill. cv.‘Junzao’)

Elucidation of baking induced changes in key odorants of Red Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill. cv.‘Junzao’)

Characterization of the key odorant compounds in ‘Qinguan’ apples (Malus × domestica)

‘Qinguan’ apple is native to China with the outstanding qualities of disease resistance and long storage time. In this study, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to identify the volatile compounds in peel and flesh of post-harvest ‘Qinguan’ apples. Ninety-four and seventy volatile compounds were identified in ‘Qinguan’ peel and flesh, respectively. Esters and alcohols were predominant in ‘Qinguan’ peel, while alcohols were identified as the main volatiles in ‘Qinguan’ flesh. Odor-active compounds and the sensory profile of ‘Qinguan’ apples were investigated by aroma extract dilution analysis-gas chromatography-olfactometry (AEDA-GC-O) and sensory description analyses. The sensory profile of ‘Qinguan’ apples was mainly characterized by aroma descriptors of fruity and green categories. Among the 15 odor-active compounds with flavor dilution factor (FD) ranging from 3 to 81, hexyl acetate, α-farnesene, hexanol, and hexanal (with FD = 81) were shown to be the most potent odor-active compounds in ‘Qinguan’ apples. Based on the results obtained from GC-MS, AEDA-GC-O, and omission tests, hexyl acetate as the most abundant ester in peel was suggested to be one of the characteristic aroma compounds of ‘Qinguan’ apple, contributing to its strong fruity aroma note, while the other characteristic aroma compound, α-farnesene, was responsible for the green note.

Elucidation of key odorants and sensory propertiesof five different extra virgin olive oils from Turkey by GC-MS-Olfactometry

The present study investigates the aroma, key odorants and sensory profile of extra virgin olive oils from five well-known Turkish cultivars. The aromatic extract obtained by the purge and trap extraction system, according to a sensory analysis, resembled the odor of olive oil. A total of 22, 21, 18, 22 and 21 aroma-active compounds were detected in the extracts of Ayvalık, Memecik, Gemlik, Sarı Ulak and Beylik olive oils, respectively. The results show that Ayvalık has the highest flavor dilution (FD) value of 1024 with hexanal, (E)-2-hexenal and α-farnesene. Memecik has the highest FD value at 2048 with (E)-2-hexenal. Gemlik has the highest FD value of 1024 with (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, (E)-2-hexen-1-ol and α-farnesene. Sarı Ulak has the highest FD value at 2048 with (E)-2-hexenal. Beylik has the highest FD value of 2048 with (E)-2-hexenal and hexanal. All cultivars represent the characteristic green, cut-grass, fruity odor notes.