Characteristic aroma components of British Farmhouse Cheddar cheese

Aroma components responsible for aroma typical of British Farmhouse Cheddar cheese were studied by aroma extract dilution analysis. Cheese extracts were prepared by direct solvent extraction, high-vacuum transfer, and class fractionation. Most aroma-active components of acidic and neutral/basic fractions have been previously associated with Cheddar cheese flavor. p-Cresol was mainly responsible for a "cowy-barny" note, whereas an intense "soil-like" note was due to 2-isopropyl-3-methoxypyrazine. At much lower odor intensity, 2-isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine contributed a "bell pepper-like" note. Additionally, within the same wedge of cheese, the concentrations of p-cresol and 2-isopropyl-3-methoxypyrazine were lower at the narrow end (center) than at the rind side. Direct addition of p-cresol (> or =100 ppb) or 2-isopropyl-3-methoxypyrazine (> or =3 ppb) in a mild domestic Cheddar cheese resulted in increases in intensities of cowy/phenolic and earthy/bell pepper aroma notes.     

Characterization of the most odor-active volatiles of orange wine made from a Turkish cv. Kozan (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck)

The aroma-active compounds of cv. Turkish Kozan orange wine were analyzed by sensory and instrumental analyses. Liquid-liquid extraction with dichloromethane was used for extraction of volatile components. According to sensory analysis, the aromatic extract obtained by liquid-liquid extraction was representative of orange wine odor. A total of 63 compounds were identified and quantified in orange wine. The results of the gas chromatography-olfactometry analysis showed that 35 odorous compounds were detected by the panelists. Of these, 28 aroma-active compounds were identified. Alcohols followed by terpenes and esters were the most abundant aroma-active compounds of the orange wine. Among these compounds, ethyl butanoate (fruity sweet), 3-methyl-1-pentanol (roasty), linalool (floral citrusy), gamma-butyrolactone (cheesy burnt sugar), 3-(methylthio)-propanol (boiled potato, rubber), geraniol (floral citrusy), and 2-phenylethanol (floral rose) were the most important contributors to the aroma of the orange wine because they were perceived by all eight panelists.     

Characterization of aroma compounds of chinese "Wuliangye" and "Jiannanchun" liquors by aroma extract dilution analysis

Aroma compounds in Chinese "Wuliangye" liquor were identified by gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O) after fractionation. A total of 132 odorants were detected by GC-O in Wuliangye liquor on DB-wax and DB-5 columns. Of these, 126 aromas were identified by GC-mass spectrometry (MS). Aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) was further employed to identify the most important aroma compounds in "Wuliangye" and "Jiannanchun" liquors. The results showed that esters could be the most important class, especially ethyl esters. Various alcohols, aldehydes, acetals, alkylpyrazines, furan derivatives, lactones, and sulfur-containing and phenolic compounds were also found to be important. On the basis of flavor dilution (FD) values, the most important aroma compounds in Wuliangye and Jiannanchun liquors could be ethyl butanoate, ethyl pentanoate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl octanoate, butyl hexanoate, ethyl 3-methylbutanoate, hexanoic acid, and 1,1-diethoxy-3-methylbutane (FD > or = 1024). These compounds contributed to fruity, floral, and apple- and pineapple-like aromas with the exception of hexanoic acid, which imparts a sweaty note. Several pyrazines, including 2,5-dimethyl-3-ethylpyrazine, 2-ethyl-6-methylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, and 3,5-dimethyl-2-pentylpyrazine, were identified in these two liquors. Although further quantitative analysis is required, it seems that most of these pyrazine compounds had higher FD values in Wuliangye than in Jiannanchun liquor, thus imparting stronger nutty, baked, and roasted notes in Wuliangye liquor.     

Characterization of (E,E,Z)-2,4,6-nonatrienal as a character impact aroma compound of oat flakes

To identify the compounds evoking the characteristic cereal-like, sweet aroma of oat flakes, an aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) was applied to a distillate prepared by solvent extraction/vacuum distillation from commercial oat flakes. Among the nine aroma-active compounds detected by gas chromatography-olfactometry and AEDA in the flavor dilution (FD) factor range of 4-1024, eight odorants, for example, (E)-beta-damascenone, (Z)-3-hexenal, and butanoic acid, showed only low FD factors. However, one odorant eliciting the typical cereal, sweet aroma of the flakes was detected with the highest FD factor of 1024. By mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance measurements followed by a synthesis, (E,E,Z)-2,4,6-nonatrienal, exhibiting an intense oat flake-like odor at the extremely low odor threshold of 0.0002 ng/L in air, was identified as the key odorant of the flakes. By means of a newly developed stable isotope dilution analysis using synthesized, carbon-13-labeled nonatrienal as the internal standard, a concentration of 13 mug of (E,E,Z)-2,4,6-nonatrienal per kilogram of the flakes was measured. Model studies suggested linolenic acid as the precursor of nonatrienal in oats.     

Changes in the aroma compounds of sake during aging

Changes in the aroma of sake during aging were investigated by aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) and quantitative analysis using the stir bar sorptive extraction method. In AEDA, more odor zones were detected in aged sake than in fresh sake. The dilution factors of aldehydes, polysulfides, and some esters were greater in the aged sake, and their increase during aging was confirmed through a quantitative analysis of sake stored for 0-35 years. Among these compounds, 3-methylbutanal, methional, and dimethyltrisulfide (DMTS) were present in aged sake at concentrations exceeding their odor thresholds, and the highest odor active value was observed for DMTS. Sensory tests showed that supplementation with DMTS contributed to both the total odor intensity and the sulfury odor of aged sake aroma.     

Characterization of the most odor-active compounds in an American Bourbon whisky by application of the aroma extract dilution analysis

Application of the aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) on the volatile fraction carefully isolated from an American Bourbon whisky revealed 45 odor-active areas in the flavor dilution (FD) factor range of 32-4096 among which (E)-beta-damascenone and delta-nonalactone showed the highest FD factors of 4096 and 2048, respectively. With FD factors of 1024, (3S,4S)-cis-whiskylactone, gamma-decalactone, 4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol (eugenol), and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzaldehyde (vanillin) additionally contributed to the overall vanilla-like, fruity, and smoky aroma note of the spirit. Application of GC-Olfactometry on the headspace above the whisky revealed 23 aroma-active odorants among which 3-methylbutanal, ethanol, and 2-methylbutanal were identified as additional important aroma compounds. Compared to published data on volatile constituents in whisky, besides ranking the whisky odorants on the basis of their odor potency, 13 aroma compounds were newly identified in this study: ethyl (S)-2-methylbutanoate, (E)-2-heptenal, (E,E)-2,4-nonadienal, (E)-2-decenal, (E,E)-2,4-decadienal, 2-isopropyl-3-methoxypyrazine, ethyl phenylacetate, 4-methyl acetophenone, alpha-damascone, 2-phenylethyl propanoate, 3-hydroxy-4,5-dimethyl-2(5H)-furanone, trans-ethyl cinnamate, and (Z)-6-dodeceno-gamma-lactone.     

Chemical characterization of commercial Sherry vinegar aroma by headspace solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-olfactometry

The sensorial representativeness of the headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) aroma extract from commercial Sherry vinegars has been determined by direct gas chromatography-olfactometry (D-GCO). Extracts obtained under optimal conditions were used to characterize the aroma of these vinegars by means of GCO and aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA). Among the 37 different odorants determined, 13 of them were identified for the first time in Sherry vinegars: 2 pyrazines (3-isopropyl-2-methoxypyrazine, 3-isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine), 2 sulfur compounds (methanethiol, dimethyl trisulfide), 1 unsaturated ketone (1-octen-3-one), 1 norisoprenoid (β-damascenone), 1 ester (ethyl trans-cinnamate) and 6 aldehydes (2- and 3-methylbutanal, octanal, nonanal, (E)-2-nonenal and (E,E)-2,4-decadienal). The determination of the odor thresholds in a hydroacetic solution together with the quantitative analysis-which was also performed using the simple and fast SPME technique-allowed obtaining the odor activity values (OAV) of the aromatic compounds found. Thus, a first pattern of their sensory importance on commercial Sherry vinegar aroma was provided.     

Reconstitution of the flavor signature of Dornfelder red wine on the basis of the natural concentrations of its key aroma and taste compounds

By application of aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) on the volatile fraction isolated from a Dornfelder red wine, 31 odor-active compounds were identified by means of HRGC-MS and comparison with reference compounds. A total of 27 odorants, judged with high FD factors by means of AEDA, was quantitated by means of stable isotope dilution assays, and acetaldehyde was determined enzymatically. In addition, 36 taste-active compounds were analyzed by means of HPLC-UV, HPLC-MS/MS, and ion chromatography. The quantitative data obtained for the identified aroma and taste compounds enabled for the first time the reconstruction of the overall flavor of the red wine. Sensory evaluation of both the aroma and taste profiles of the authentic red wine and the recombinate revealed that Dornfelder red wine was closely mimicked. Moreover, it was demonstrated that the high molecular weight fraction of red wine is essential for its astringent taste impression. By comparison of the overall odor of the aroma recombinate in ethanol with that of the total flavor recombinate containing all tastants, it was shown for the first time that the nonvolatile tastants had a strong influence on the intensity of certain aroma qualities.     

Characterization of aroma compounds in apple cider using solvent-assisted flavor evaporation and headspace solid-phase microextraction

The aroma-active compounds in two apple ciders were identified using gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O) and GC-mass spectrometry (MS) techniques. The volatile compounds were extracted using solvent-assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE) and headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME). On the basis of odor intensity, the most important aroma compounds in the two apple cider samples were 2-phenylethanol, butanoic acid, octanoic acid, 2-methylbutanoic acid, 2-phenylethyl acetate, ethyl 2-methylbutanoate, ethyl butanoate, ethyl hexanoate, 4-ethylguaiacol, eugenol, and 4-vinylphenol. Sulfur-containing compounds, terpene derivatives, and lactones were also detected in ciders. Although most of the aroma compounds were common in both ciders, the aroma intensities were different. Comparison of extraction techniques showed that the SAFE technique had a higher recovery for acids and hydroxy-containing compounds, whereas the HS-SPME technique had a higher recovery for esters and highly volatile compounds.     

Characterization of the key aroma compounds in the beverage prepared from Darjeeling black tea: quantitative differences between tea leaves and infusion

By application of the aroma extract dilution analysis on the volatile fraction isolated from a black tea infusion (Darjeeling Gold Selection), vanillin (vanilla-like), 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone (caramel), 2-phenylethanol (flowery), and (E,E,Z)-2,4,6-nonatrienal (oat-flake-like) were identified with the highest flavor dilution (FD) factors among the 24 odor-active compounds detected in the FD factor range of 4-128. Quantitative measurements performed by means of stable isotope dilution assays and a calculation of odor activity values (OAVs; ratio of concentration to odor threshold in water) revealed, in particular, the previously unknown tea constituent (E,E,Z)-2,4,6-nonatrienal as a key odorant in the infusion and confirmed the important role of linalool and geraniol for the tea aroma. An aroma recombinate performed by the 18 odorants for which OAVs > 1 were determined in their "natural" concentrations matched the overall aroma of the tea beverage. In the black tea leaves, a total of 42 odorants were identified, most of which were identical with those in the beverage prepared thereof. However, quantitative measurements indicated that, in particular, geraniol, but also eight further odorants were significantly increased in the infusion as compared to their concentration in the leaves.     

Impact odorants contributing to the fungus type aroma from grape berries contaminated by powdery mildew (Uncinula necator); incidence of enzymatic activities of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Powdery mildew due to the fungus Uncinula necator is an important disease for the vineyard. The development of the fungus at the surface of the berries leads to the occurrence of a very characteristic and sometimes intense mushroom-type odor cited as an important default for grapes quality. Gas chromatography/olfactometry, gas chromatography, and multidimensional gas chromatogaphy/mass spectrometry techniques were used to investigate the most important odorants of grapes diseased by powdery mildew. Among 22 odorants detected, strongly odorant compounds were identified or tentatively identified in purified extracts obtained from grapes diseased by powdery mildew. Aroma extraction dilution analysis (AEDA) analysis revealed that 1-octen-3-one (mushroom odor), (Z)-1,5-octadien-3-one (geranium-leaf odor), and an unidentified odorous zone (fishy-mushroom like odor) were the most potent volatiles of the diseased grapes. In the presence of nonproliferating Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells, and consequently during alcoholic fermentation, the enzymatic reduction of 1-octen-3-one and (Z)-1,5-octadien-3-one to much less odorant compounds, namely 3-octanone and (Z)-5-octen-3-one, was shown. Those results explain to some extent the disappearance of the fungal aroma specific to powdery mildew grapes during alcoholic fermentation.     

Solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography olfactometry analysis of successively diluted samples. A new approach of the aroma extract dilution analysis applied to the characterization of wine aroma

The relationship between the composition and the aroma of the wine can be established by using gas chromatography with olfactometric detection (sniffing or GCO), which combines the chromatographic response with the human nose response. To evaluate the contribution of the odor compounds in wine aroma, we designed a new approach of the aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) that lies in the GCO analysis of serially diluted wine samples using headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) as the extraction technique. The fiber coating used was Flex divinyl-carboxen-polydimethylsiloxane. The method developed was applied to determine the aromatic composition of a red Grenache wine from Priorat (Spain). The method allows 38 important odorants to be determined in the AEDA study, 30 of them precisely identified. These results are similar to those reported by other studies related to this variety of wine. HS-SPME is a suitable technique to obtain representative extracts of wine aroma with several advantages such as simplicity, speediness, and little sample manipulation.     

Aroma evaluation of an aquatic herb, Changpo (Acorus calamus Var. angustatus Bess), by AEDA and SPME

This study was conducted to determine the volatile flavor composition of fresh changpo (Acorus calamus var. angustatus Bess) leaves quantitatively and qualitatively by use of two internal standards and to determine which volatile compounds are primarily responsible for the aroma of this aquatic herb. The headspace composition of fresh changpo leaves was also analyzed by a solid-phase microextraction method. Aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) and sniffing test by gas chromatography-olfactometry were used for the detection of aroma-active compounds of this herb. According to the instrumental analyses of the changpo oil, octanoic acid (49.13%), alpha-cedrene (16.71%), alpha-phellandrene (4.46%), and gamma-elemene (3.75%) were the most abundant compounds. n-Butylidene dihydrophthalide (8.61%), trans,trans-farnesyl acetate (7.29%), and trans-2-dodecenal (7%) were the main components of changpo headspace. cis-beta-Farnesene was evaluated as the key aroma compound of this herb from results of AEDA and sniffing test.     

Aroma-active compounds of miniature beefsteakplant (Mosla dianthera Maxim)

Volatile flavor compounds of miniature beefsteakplant (Mosla dianthera Maxim.) from Vietnam were analyzed through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-olfactometry (GC-MS-O). Sixty-two compounds were identified by GC-MS. Of these, (+/-)-carvone and (+/-)-limonene were the most abundant, followed by (Z)-limonene oxide, beta-caryophyllene, and alpha-humulene. Twenty aroma-active compounds were detected by aroma extract dilution analysis conducted on two GC columns of different polarities (DB-5MS and DB-Wax). The most intense aroma-active compounds were linalool (floral/sweet/lemon), (-)-carvone (spearminty), and 1-octen-3-one (mushroom/earthy). Other predominant aroma-active compounds included (Z)-3-hexenol (grassy/leafy/metallic), (Z)-limonene oxide (lemon/floral), myrcene (plastic/sweet), (+)-limonene (orange/lemon), alpha-thujene (soy sauce/grassy), and (Z)-dihydrocarvone (spearminty/pepperminty). On the basis of the aroma characteristics and intensity, it was concluded that (-)-carvone was responsible for the characteristic aroma of miniature beefsteakplant.     

Impact of growing environment on chickasaw blackberry (Rubus L.) aroma evaluated by gas chromatography olfactometry dilution analysis

The aroma extract of Chickasaw blackberry (Rubus L.) was separated with silica gel normal phase chromatography into six fractions. Gas chromatography-olfactometry (GCO) was performed on each fraction to identify aroma active compounds. Aroma extraction dilution analysis (AEDA) was employed to characterize the aroma profile of Chickasaw blackberries from two growing regions of the United States: Oregon and Arkansas. Comparative AEDA analysis showed that the berries grown in the two regions had similar aroma compositions; however, those odorants had various aroma impacts in each region. The compounds with high flavor dilution factors in Oregon's Chickasaw were ethyl butanoate, linalool, methional, trans,cis-2,6-nonadienal, cis-1,5-octadien-3-one, and 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone, whereas in the Chickasaw grown in Arkansas, they were ethyl butanoate, linalool, methional, ethyl 2-methylbutanoate, beta-damascenone, and geraniol.     

Characterization of aroma compounds responsible for the rosy/floral flavor in Cheddar cheese

The aroma-active compounds that contribute to the rosy/floral flavor in Cheddar cheese were characterized using both instrumental and sensory techniques. Two cheeses (>12 months old) with rosy/floral flavor and two Cheddar cheeses of similar ages without rosy/floral flavors were selected. After direct solvent extraction/solvent-assisted flavor evaporation and separation into neutral/basic and acidic fractions, samples were analyzed by gas chromatography-olfactometry with aroma extract dilution analysis. Selected compounds were quantified using internal standard methodology. Some of the intense aroma-active compounds in the neutral basic fraction of the rosy/floral cheeses included 2-phenethanol (rosy), phenylethyl acetate (rosy), and phenylacetaldehyde (rosy/floral). Quantification, threshold analysis, and sensory analysis of model cheeses confirmed that increased concentrations of phenylacetaldehyde and phenylacetic acid caused rosy/floral flavor when spiked into Cheddar cheese.     

Character impact odorants of high-heat skim milk powder isolated by simultaneous distillation-extraction

To identify the character impact odorant of high-heat skim milk powder (HHSMP), a comparative study using ultrahigh-temperature (UHT) milk was performed. Aroma concentrate was prepared by column adsorption combined with simultaneous distillation-extraction. Aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) revealed 58 aroma peaks with flavor dilution (FD) factors ranging from 10 to 3000; from these, 41 compounds were identified and 7 compounds were tentatively identified (FD factor > or = 300). Among these HHSMP and UHT milk components, methyl 2-methyl-3-furyl disulfide and bis(2-methyl-3-furyl) disulfide, which appeared to be generated during the processing of each product, were identified. When the results of the AEDA of both samples were compared, it was considered that the characteristic aroma of HHSMP was not explained by a single compound but instead formed from a mixture of several types of compounds contained in common with the UHT milk. The contribution of these compounds to the aroma of HHSMP was confirmed by an aroma simulation experiment.     

Characterization of aroma-active compounds in raw and cooked pine-mushrooms (Tricholoma matsutake Sing.)

The characteristic aroma-active compounds in raw and cooked pine-mushrooms (Tricholoma matsutake Sing.) were investigated by gas chromatography-olfactometry using aroma extract dilution analysis. 1-Octen-3-one (mushroom-like) was the major aroma-active compound in raw pine-mushrooms; this compound had the highest flavor dilution factor, followed by ethyl 2-methylbutyrate (floral and sweet), linalool (citrus-like), methional (boiled potato-like), 3-octanol (mushroom-like and buttery), 1-octen-3-ol (mushroom-like), (E)-2-octen-1-ol (mushroom-like), and 3-octanone (mushroom-like and buttery). By contrast, methional, 2-acetylthiazole (roasted), an unknown compound (chocolate-like), 3-hydroxy-2-butanone (buttery), and phenylacetaldehyde (floral and sweet), which could be formed by diverse thermal reactions during the cooking process, together with C8 compounds, were identified as the major aroma-active compounds in cooked pine-mushrooms.     

Characterization of the key aroma compounds in apricots (Prunus armeniaca) by application of the molecular sensory science concept

An aroma extract dilution analysis applied on an aroma distillate prepared from fresh apricots revealed (R)-gamma-decalactone, (E)-beta-damascenone, delta-decalactone, and (R/S)-linalool with the highest flavor dilution (FD) factors among the 26 odor-active compounds identified. On the basis of quantitative measurements performed by application of stable isotope dilution assays, followed by a calculation of odor activity values (OAVs), beta-ionone, (Z)-1,5-octadien-3-one, gamma-decalactone, (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal, linalool, and acetaldehyde appeared with OAVs >100, whereas in particular certain lactones, often associated with an apricot aroma note, such as gamma-undecalactone, gamma-nonalactone, and delta-decalactone, showed very low OAVs (<5). An aroma recombinate prepared by mixing the 18 most important odorants in concentrations as they occurred in the fresh fruits showed an overall aroma very similar to that of apricots. Omission experiments indicated that previously unknown constituents of apricots, such as (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal or (Z)-1,5-octadien-3-one, are key contributors to the apricot aroma.