Effects of roasting on pyrazine contents and oxidative stability of red pepper seed oil prior to its extraction

Red pepper seeds were roasted with constant stirring for 6, 9, 10, and 12 min at 210 degrees C, and oils were extracted from the roasted red pepper seeds using an expeller. The iodine values and fatty acid compositions of red pepper seed oils did not change with roasting time. The fatty acid composition of the oil obtained from the red pepper seeds roasted for 6 min was 0.24% myristic acid, 13. 42% palmitic acid, 0.33% palmitoleic acid, 2.07% stearic acid, 10. 18% oleic acid, 73.89% linoleic acid, and 0.37% linolenic acid, showing a fatty acid composition similar to that of high-linoleate safflower oil. Thirteen alkylpyrazines were identified in the roasted red pepper seed oils: 2-methylpyrazine, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, 2-ethylpyrazine, 2-ethyl-6-methylpyrazine, 2-ethyl-5-methylpyrazine, trimethylpyrazine, 2,6-diethylpyrazine, 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine, tetramethylpyrazine, 2, 3-diethyl-5-methylpyrazine, 2-isobutyl-3-methylpyrazine, and 3, 5-diethyl 2-methylpyrazine. The pyrazine content increased markedly as the roasting time increased, showing 2.63, 5.01, 8.48, and 13.10 mg of total pyrazine/100 g of oils from the red pepper seeds roasted for 6, 8, 10, and 12 min, respectively, at 210 degrees C. 2, 5-Dimethylpyrazine in the roasted red pepper seed oil seemed to be the component most responsible for the pleasant nutty aroma of the oils. The oxidative stabilities of oils increased greatly as the roasting time increased.     

On-line gas chromatography combustion/pyrolysis isotope ratio mass spectrometry (HRGC-C/P-IRMS) of pineapple (Ananas comosus L. Merr.) volatiles

By use of extracts prepared by liquid-liquid separation of the volatiles from self-prepared juices of pineapple fruits (Ananas comosus) (n = 14) as well as commercial pineapple recovery aromas/water phases (n = 3), on-line capillary gas chromatography-isotope ratio mass spectrometry was employed in the combustion (C) and the pyrolysis (P) modes (HRGC-C/P-IRMS) to determine the delta(13)C(VPDB) and delta(2)H(VSMOW) values of selected pineapple flavor constituents. In addition to methyl 2-methylbutanoate 1, ethyl 2-methylbutanoate 2, methyl hexanoate 3, ethyl hexanoate 4, and 2,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-3[2H]-furanone 5, each originating from the fruit, the delta(13)C(VPDB) and delta(2)H(VSMOW) data of commercial synthetic 1-5 and "natural" (biotechnologically derived) 1-4 were determined. With delta(13)C(VPDB) data of pineapple volatiles 1-4 varying from -12.8 to -24.4 per thousand, the range expected for CAM metabolism was observed. Compound 5 showed higher depletion from -20.9 to -28.6 per thousand. A similar situation was given for the delta(2)H(VSMOW) values of 3-5 from pineapple ranging from -118 to -191 per thousand, whereas 1 and 2 showed higher depleted values from -184 to -263 per thousand. In nearly all cases, analytical differentiation of 1-5 from pineapple and natural as well as synthetic origin was possible. In general, natural and synthetic 1-5 exhibited delta(13)C(VPDB) data ranging from -11.8 to -32.2 per thousand and -22.7 to -35.9 per thousand, respectively. Their delta(2)H(VSMOW) data were in the range from -242 to -323 per thousand and -49 to -163 per thousand, respectively.     

Tequila authenticity assessment by headspace SPME-HRGC-IRMS analysis of 13C/12C and 18O/16O ratios of ethanol

By use of headspace SPME sampling and a PLOT column, on-line capillary gas chromatography-isotope ratio mass spectrometry was employed in the combustion (C) and the pyrolysis (P) modes (HRGC-C/P-IRMS) to determine the delta(13)C(VPDB) and delta(18)O(VSMOW) values of ethanol in authentic (n = 14) and commercial tequila samples (n = 15) as well as a number of other spirits (n = 23). Whereas with delta(13)C(VPDB) values ranging from -12.1 to -13.2 per thousand and from -12.5 to -14.8 per thousand similar variations were found for 100% agave and mixed tequilas, respectively, the delta(18)O(VSMOW) data differed slightly within these categories: ranges from +22.1 to +22.8 per thousand and +20.8 to +21.7 per thousand were determined for both the authentic 100% agave and mixed products, respectively. The data recorded for commercial tequilas were less homogeneous; delta(13)C(VPDB) data from -10.6 to -13.9 per thousand and delta(18)O(VSMOW) values from +15.5 to +22.7 per thousand were determined in tequilas of both categories. Owing to overlapping data, attempts to differentiate between white, rested, and aged tequilas within each of the two categories failed. In addition, discrimination of tequila samples from other spirits by means of delta(13)C(VPDB) and delta(18)O(VSMOW) data of ethanol was restricted to the products originating from C(3) as well as C(4)/CAM raw materials.     

Effect of citric acid and glycine addition on acrylamide and flavor in a potato model system

Acrylamide levels in cooked/processed food can be reduced by treatment with citric acid or glycine. In a potato model system cooked at 180 degrees C for 10-60 min, these treatments affected the volatile profiles. Strecker aldehydes and alkylpyrazines, key flavor compounds of cooked potato, were monitored. Citric acid limited the generation of volatiles, particularly the alkylpyrazines. Glycine increased the total volatile yield by promoting the formation of certain alkylpyrazines, namely, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, trimethylpyrazine, 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine, tetramethylpyrazine, and 2,5-diethyl-3-methylpyrazine. However, the formation of other pyrazines and Strecker aldehydes was suppressed. It was proposed that the opposing effects of these treatments on total volatile yield may be used to best advantage by employing a combined treatment at lower concentrations, especially as both treatments were found to have an additive effect in reducing acrylamide. This would minimize the impact on flavor but still achieve the desired reduction in acrylamide levels.     

Role of the solvent glycerol in the Maillard reaction of d-fructose and l-alanine

The volatiles in the headspace above a solution of [(13)C(6)]fructose and alanine in glycerol/water, heated in a closed vial at 130 degrees C for 2 h, were analyzed by solid-phase microextraction in tandem with GC-MS. Carbonyl compounds and pyrazines were among the detected components. The examination of their mass spectra showed that most of the 1-hydroxy-2-propanone and 2,3-pentanedione were (13)C(3)-labeled, the majority of the 2-methylpyrazine and 2-ethyl-3-methylpyrazine were (13)C(5)-labeled, and 2,5-dimethylpyrazine and 3-ethyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazine were mainly (13)C(6)-labeled. This is in agreement with the literature, and corresponds to the incorporation of fructose carbons, and in the case of 2,3-pentanedione, 2-ethyl-3-methylpyrazine, and 3-ethyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazine alanine carbons, into the molecules. However, minority fractions of 1-hydroxy-2-propanone (10%) and 2,3-pentanedione (14%) were found unlabeled, 2-methylpyrazine (10%) and 2-ethyl-3-methylpyrazine (11%) only doubly labeled, and 2,5-dimethylpyrazine (20%) and 3-ethyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazine (27%) only triply labeled, suggesting they contain carbons originating from the solvent glycerol. This could be confirmed by reaction of fructose and alanine in [(13)C(3)]glycerol/water, which produced the same volatiles, with 11-27% existent in their (13)C(3)-labeled form. Hence, glycerol participated not only as a solvent but also as a precursor in the reaction.     

Pyrazine formation from serine and threonine.

The formation of pyrazines from L-serine and L-threonine has been studied. L-Serine and L-threonine, either alone or combined, were heated at 120 degrees C as low temperature for 4 h or at 300 degrees C as high temperature for 7 min. The pyrazines formed from each reaction were identified by GC/MS, and the yields (to the amino acid used, as parts per million) were determined by GC/FID. It was found that pyrazine, methylpyrazine, ethylpyrazine, 2-ethyl-6-methylpyrazine, and 2,6-diethylpyrazine were formed from serine, whereas 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, trimethylpyrazine, 2-ethyl-3,6-dimethylpyrazine, and 2-ethyl-3, 5-dimethylpyrazine were formed from threonine. Mechanistically, it is proposed that the thermal degradation of serine or threonine is composed of various complex reactions. Among these reactions, decarbonylation followed by dehydration is the main pathway to generate the alpha-aminocarbonyl intermediates leading to the formation of the main product, such as pyrazine from serine or 2, 5-dimethylpyrazine from threonine. Also, deamination after decarbonylation generates more reactive intermediates, alpha-hydroxycarbonyls. Furthermore, aldol condensation of these reactive intermediates provides alpha-dicarbonyls. Subsequently, these alpha-dicarbonyls react with the remaining serine or threonine by Strecker degradation to form additional alpha-aminocarbonyl intermediates, which then form additional pyrazines. In addition, decarboxylation and retroaldol reaction may also involve the generation of the intermediates.     

Volatile flavor components of rice cakes.

Volatiles were obtained from commercially prepared and laboratory-prepared rice cakes using high-flow dynamic headspace isolation with Tenax trapping. Analysis was carried out by capillary GC/MS. More than 60 compounds were identified. Major volatiles included 1-hydroxy-2-propanone, furfuryl alcohol, 2, 5-dimethylpyrazine, 2-methylpyrazine, pyrazine, hexanal, furfural, pentanol, 3-hydroxy-2-butanone (acetoin), and ethyl-3, 6-dimethylpyrazine. Although not ideally applicable to a dry product, concentration/threshold ratios indicated that the compounds with a high probability of contributing to the aroma and flavor included 3-methylbutanal, dimethyl trisulfide, 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine, 4-vinylguaiacol, hexanal, (E,E)-2,4-decadienal, 2-methylbutanal, 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, 1-octen-3-ol, and 1-octen-3-one.     

Determination of 2H/1H and 13C/12C isotope ratios of (E)-methyl cinnamate from different sources using isotope ratio mass spectrometry

For the authenticity assessment of (E)-methyl cinnamate from different origins, combustion/pyrolysis-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (C/P-IRMS) was used by an elemental analyzer (EA) and on-line capillary gas chromatography coupling (HRGC-C/P-IRMS). For that reason, (E)-methyl cinnamate self-prepared from synthetic, natural, and semisynthetic educts was analyzed in comparison to the commercial synthetic and natural ester. In addition, (E)-methyl cinnamate from basil extract and a number of commercial natural aromas was investigated. The data of self-synthesized synthetic (E)-methyl cinnamate, i.e., delta(13)C(V)(-)(PDB) = -33.8 per thousand and delta(2)H(V)(-)(SMOW) = +349 per thousand, corresponded with that found for the commercial synthetic samples (-29.5 to -31.4 per thousand and +328 to +360 per thousand for delta(13)C(V)(-)(PDB) and delta(2)H(V)(-)(SMOW), respectively). The ester produced from natural educts by acid as well as Candida antarctica catalysis revealed delta(13)C(V)(-)(PDB) = -25.6 and -30.1 per thousand as well as delta(2)H(V)(-)(SMOW) = -162 and -169 per thousand, respectively. Acid-catalyzed semisynthetic products differed in their delta(13)C(V)(-)(PDB) and delta(2)H(V)(-)(SMOW) values depending on the origin of their educts. For the ester from synthetic methanol and natural cinnamic acid, -27.3 and -126 per thousand were determined for delta(13)C(V)(-)(PDB) and delta(2)H(V)(-)(SMOW), respectively, whereas for the ester produced from natural methanol and synthetic acid delta(13)C(V)(-)(PDB) = -30.6 per thousand and delta(2)H(V)(-)(SMOW) = +287 per thousand were found. Basil extract showed -28.9 and -133 per thousand for delta(13)C(V)(-)(PDB) and delta(2)H(V)(-)(SMOW), respectively. Commercial aromas declared to be natural revealed delta(13)C(V)(-)(PDB) and delta(2)H(V)(-)(SMOW) data ranging from -25.7 to -28.5 per thousand as well as -85 to -191 per thousand, respectively, indicating, in part, incorrect declaration.     

Authenticity assessment of gamma- and delta-decalactone from prunus fruits by gas chromatography combustion/pyrolysis isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C/P-IRMS)

Authenticity assessment of gamma-decalactone (1) and delta-decalactone (2) from peach (Prunus persica var. persica), apricot (Prunus armeniaca), and nectarine (Prunus persica var. nectarina) was performed using gas chromatography-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-IRMS) in the combustion (C) and pyrolysis (P) mode. In addition, commercially available synthetic (nature-identical) 1 and 2 as well as biotechnologically produced samples (declared to be "natural") were characterized by their delta(2)H(V)(-)(SMOW) and delta(13)C(V)(-)(PDB) values. For the Prunus fruits under study, rather narrow ranges of delta(13)C(V)(-)(PDB) and delta(2)H(V)(-)(SMOW) data of 1, varying from - 34.6 per thousand to - 38.4 per thousand and -160 per thousand to -206 per thousand, respectively, were obtained. Synthetic references of 1 showed delta(13)C(V)(-)(PDB) and delta(2)H(V)(-)(SMOW) data ranging from -27.4 per thousand to -28.3 per thousand and -151 per thousand to -184 per thousand, respectively. Samples of 1 declared to be "natural" exhibited ranges from -28.1 per thousand to -29.2 per thousand and -192 per thousand to -286 per thousand for delta(13)C(V)(-)(PDB) and delta(2)H(V)(-)(SMOW), respectively. For 2 from peach, apricot, and nectarine, delta(13)C(V)(-)(PDB) values ranging from -34.0 per thousand to -37.9 per thousand were determined; the delta(2)H(V)(-)(SMOW) values ranged from -171 per thousand to -228 per thousand. The delta(13)C(V)(-)(PDB) and delta(2)H(V)(-)(SMOW) data for synthetic 2 were -28.2 per thousand and -171 per thousand, respectively, that is, similar to those of 2 from "natural" origin, ranging from -27.7 per thousand to -30.1 per thousand and -185 per thousand to -230 per thousand for delta(13)C(V)(-)(PDB) and delta(2)H(V)(-)(SMOW), respectively. GC-C/P-IRMS allowed clear-cut analytical differentiation of the synthetic and "ex-plant" origin of 1 and 2, whereas narrow ranges of delta(13)C(V)(-)(PDB) and delta(2)H(V)(-)(SMOW) data were found for samples of synthetic and "natural" origin.     

Studies on the key odorants formed by roasting of wild mango seeds (Irvingia gabonensis)

Application of the aroma extract dilution analysis on a concentrate of volatiles obtained by solvent extraction and high vacuum distillation from roasted seeds (180 degrees C; 15 min) of wild mango (Irvingia gabonensis) revealed 32 odor-active compounds with flavor dilution (FD) factors ranging from 8 (low odor activity) to 2048 (high odor activity). The identification experiments based on the use of reference odorants revealed methional (cooked potato-like) followed by 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (roasty, popcorn-like), butan-2,3-dione, pentan-2,3-dione, 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine, and 2,3-diethyl-5-methylpyrazine as the key aroma compounds among the 27 odorants identified. All odorants are reported for the first time as components of roasted wild mango seeds.     

Authenticity assessment of estragole and methyl eugenol by on-line gas chromatography-isotope ratio mass spectrometry

On-line capillary gas chromatography-isotope ratio mass spectrometry was used in the combustion (HRGC-C-IRMS) and the pyrolysis (HRGC-P-IRMS) modes to determine delta(13)C(PDB), delta(2)H(SMOW), and delta(18)O(SMOW) data of estragole (1) and methyl eugenol (2) originating from various sources. For 1, similar delta(13)C values, i.e., ranging from -35.4 to -29.9 per thousand and from -36.4 to -28.8 per thousand for the product of synthetic and natural origins, respectively, were found. The delta(2)H values ranged from -155 to -3 per thousand for synthetic 1 and from -193 to -105 per thousand for 1 from natural origin, whereas the determination of delta(18)O data gave values from +1.8 to +24.8 per thousand and from +2.7 to +18.7 per thousand for 1 from synthetic and natural origins, respectively. As synthetic 2 is produced by methylation of natural eugenol, the IRMS techniques did not allow differentiation of synthetic 2 from the product of natural origin. The recorded data ranges were nearly identical, i.e., delta(13)C = -37.4 to -35.0 per thousand and -41.1 to -32.2 per thousand; delta(2)H = -155 to -126 per thousand and -217 to -107 per thousand; delta(18)O = +5.5 to +6.6 per thousand and +2.7 to +6.9 per thousand, each for 2 from synthetic and natural origins, respectively.     

Carbon and hydrogen stable isotope ratios of carotenoids and beta-carotene-based dietary supplements

Considering the increasing nutritional and commercial importance of carotenoids, there is an interest in developing a reliable method for authenticity assessment of these compounds. Applying isotope ratio mass spectrometry using elemental analysis in the "combustion" (C) and "pyrolysis" (P) modes (EA-C/P-IRMS), the delta (13)C V-PDB and delta (2)H V-SMOW values of selected carotenoids and alpha/beta-carotene-based commercial dietary supplements were determined in comparison to those of synthetic and "natural" references. The delta (13)C V-PDB and delta (2)H V-SMOW values of synthetic beta-carotene samples ( n = 4), ranging from -25.3 per thousand to -26.4 per thousand and from -144 per thousand to -155 per thousand, respectively, differed clearly from the data determined for carotenoids from various natural sources, including C 3 plant material ( n = 9; delta (13)C V-PDB ranging from -28.5 per thousand to -32.8 per thousand and delta (2)H V-SMOW from -180 per thousand to -275 per thousand) and microalgae Dunaliella salina ( n = 1; delta (13)C V-PDB value of -15.6 per thousand and delta (2)H V-SMOW value of -191 per thousand). From five commercial dietary supplements under study, two revealed delta (13)C V-PDB and delta (2)H V-SMOW values in areas as found for synthetic references, and the other three had values near those of biotechnological beta-carotene produced by D. salina. The delta (13)C V-PDB and delta (2)H V-SMOW values recorded for natural lycopene ( n = 4) and lutein ( n = 5) ranged from -31.1 per thousand to -31.8 per thousand and from -180 to -201 per thousand, as well as from -28.8 per thousand to -32.2 per thousand and from -186 per thousand to -245 per thousand, respectively. Synthetic canthaxanthin ( n = 3) exhibited delta (13)C V-PDB and delta (2)H V-SMOW values ranging from -25.0 per thousand to -28.6 per thousand and from -133 per thousand to -153 per thousand, respectively. The EA-C/P-IRMS application of this study showed that the natural stable isotopic composition of carotenoids is a powerful tool for determining their origin.     

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.     

Flavor authentication studies of alpha-ionone, beta-ionone, and alpha-ionol from various sources

In addition to the already available information on the authenticity of alpha- (1) and beta-ionone (2) from plant tissues, there is an interest in the stable isotope data of 1 and 2 available by synthesis from citral and acetone, as European Union regulations, in contrast to the United States and other countries, do not allow a product to be declared as 'natural' that has been chemically synthesized (e.g., by using a natural catalyst) from natural educts. Analyses performed by on-line capillary gas chromatography-isotope ratio mass spectrometry in the combustion and pyrolysis modes (HRGC-C/P-IRMS) as well as by elemental analyzers (EA-C/P-IRMS) measuring delta(13)C(V)-PDB and delta(2)H(V)-SMOW values provide for the first time isotope data of such 'natural' 1 and 2 as well as of synthetic and 'ex plant' alpha-ionol (3). The isotope data recorded for synthesized 1 and 2 reflected the influence of the origin of the used citral, whereas that of acetone was less remarkable. For instance, 'natural' 1 ex citral from lemongrass showed, as expected for a C4 plant, an enriched delta(13)C(V)-PDB value of -18.5 per thousand. In addition, the use of synthetic citral resulted in an enriched delta(2)H(V)-SMOW value of -43 per thousand, whereas with citral ex Litsea cubeba and ex lemongrass values of -242 and -232 per thousand, respectively, were recorded. IRMS analyses of 'natural' 2 revealed delta(13)C(V)-PDB and delta(2)H(V)-SMOW values that were nearly identical to that recorded for 'natural' 1. As to both 1 and 2, variations of synthesis conditions led to distinct changes in the delta(13)C(V)-PDB but not the delta(2)H(V)-SMOW values. Synthetic 3 showed delta(13)C(V)-PDB and delta(2)H(V)-SMOW values of -24.5 and -184 per thousand, respectively. These data differed from those found in raspberry fruit under study (n = 8), that is, ranging from -33.6 to -36.6 per thousand for delta(13)C(V)-PDB and from -200 to -225 per thousand for delta(2)H(V)-SMOW. The values determined additionally for 1 and 2 in raspberry fruit samples ranged from -30.3 to -35.1 per thousand and from -176 to -221 per thousand for delta(13)C(V)-PDB and delta(2)H(V)-SMOW, respectively, and thus corresponded to the already known literature information.     

Biosynthesis and catabolism of caffeine in low-caffeine-containing species of Coffea.

Leaves of Coffea salvatrix, Coffea eugenioides, and C. bengalensis contain approximately 3-7-fold lower levels of caffeine than those of Coffea arabica. There was more extensive biosynthesis of caffeine from [8-(14)C]adenine in young leaves of C. arabica than in C. salvatrix, C. eugenioides, and C. bengalensis. Degradation of [8-(14)C]caffeine, which is negligible in leaves of C. arabica, was also very slow in C.salvatrix and C. bengalensis. In contrast, [8-(14)C]caffeine was catabolized rapidly by young and mature leaves of C. eugenioides primarily by a caffeine --> theophylline --> 3-methylxanthine --> xanthine --> uric acid --> allantoin --> allantoic acid --> urea --> CO(2) + NH(3) pathway. These results indicate that the low caffeine accumulation in C. salvatrix, C. eugenioides, and C. bengalensis is a consequence of a slow rate of caffeine biosynthesis, whereas rapid degradation of caffeine also contributes to the low endogenous caffeine pool in C. eugenioides. The genes that regulate caffeine accumulation appear to be those encoding N-methyltransferase and caffeine (7-N) demethylase activities. The diversity of caffeine catabolism observed in C. arabica, C. salvatrix, C. eugenioides, and C. bengalensis, other species of Coffea, and Camellia sinensis is discussed.     

Aroma extract dilution analysis of a beeflike process flavor from extruded enzyme-hydrolyzed soybean protein

Aroma-active compounds from a beeflike process flavor, produced by extrusion of enzyme-hydrolyzed vegetable protein (E-HVP), were analyzed using aroma extract dilution analysis. The number of aroma-active compounds and the aroma intensity were increased by the addition of aroma precursors prior to extrusion. The most intense compound was 2-methyl-3-furanthiol having a cooked rice/vitamin-like/meaty aroma note. Several sulfur-containing furans, such as 2-methyl-3-(methylthio)furan, 2-methyl-3-(methyldithio)furan, and bis(2-methylfuryl)disulfide, were detected with high flavor dilution (FD) factors. Some pyrazines, such as 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-diethylpyrazine, and 3,5-diethyl-2-methylpyrazine, also had high FD factors. It is hypothesized that sulfur-containing amino acids and thiamin were important precursors in aroma formation in process flavor from E-HVP.     

Use of gas chromatography-olfactometry to identify key odorant compounds in dark chocolate. Comparison of samples before and after conching

After vacuum distillation and liquid-liquid extraction, the volatile fractions of dark chocolates were analyzed by gas chromatography-olfactometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Aroma extract dilution analysis revealed the presence of 33 potent odorants in the neutral/basic fraction. Three of these had a strong chocolate flavor: 2-methylpropanal, 2-methylbutanal, and 3-methylbutanal. Many others were characterized by cocoa/praline-flavored/nutty/coffee notes: 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, trimethylpyrazine, tetramethylpyrazine, 3(or 2),5-dimethyl-2(or 3)-ethylpyrazine, 3,5(or 6)-diethyl-2-methylpyrazine, and furfurylpyrrole. Comparisons carried out before and after conching indicate that although no new key odorant is synthesized during the heating process, levels of 2-phenyl-5-methyl-2-hexenal, Furaneol, and branched pyrazines are significantly increased while most Strecker aldehydes are lost by evaporation.     

Correction to: Vulnerability of coffee (Coffea spp.) genetic resources in the United States

Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution - The correct article title is provided here, Vulnerability of coffee (Coffea spp.) genetic resources in the United States.     

Nitrogen isotope composition of organically and conventionally grown crops

Authentic samples of commercially produced organic and conventionally grown tomatoes, lettuces, and carrots were collected and analyzed for their delta15N composition in order to assemble datasets to establish if there are any systematic differences in nitrogen isotope composition due to the method of production. The tomato and lettuce datasets suggest that the different types of fertilizer commonly used in organic and conventional systems result in differences in the nitrogen isotope composition of these crops. A mean delta15N value of 8.1 per thousand was found for the organically grown tomatoes compared with a mean value of -0.1 per thousand for those grown conventionally. The organically grown lettuces had a mean value of 7.6 per thousand compared with a mean value of 2.9 per thousand for the conventionally grown lettuces. The mean value for organic carrots was not significantly different from the mean value for those grown conventionally. Overlap between the delta15N values of the organic and conventional datasets (for both tomatoes and lettuces) means that it is necessary to employ a statistical methodology to try and classify a randomly analyzed "off the shelf" sample as organic/conventional, and such an approach is demonstrated. Overall, the study suggests that nitrogen isotope analysis could be used to provide useful "intelligence" to help detect the substitution of certain organic crop types with their conventional counterparts. However, delta15N analysis of a "test sample" will not provide unequivocal evidence as to whether synthetic fertilizers have been used on the crop but could, for example, in a situation when there is suspicion that mislabeling of conventionally grown crops as "organic" is occurring, be used to provide supporting evidence.     

Triacylglycerol composition of coffee beans (Coffea canephora P.) by reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography and positive electrospray tandem mass spectroscopy

The triacylglycerol (TAG) composition of coffee beans (Coffea canephora P.) was determined by reversed phase liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry. The TAGs were separated on a Microsorb RP C-18 column in series with a Supelcosil RP C-18 column using isocratic elution with acetonitrile/2-propanol/hexane (v/v/v, 57:38:5) as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 1 mL/min for 100 min. Under these conditions, 13 TAGs were identified (elution order): trilinoleyl-glycerol (LLL, 11.76%), dilinolenoyl-palmitoyl-glycerol (PLnLn, 2.94%), dilinoleyl-oleyl-glycerol (OLL, 7.77%), dilinoleyl-palmitoyl-glycerol (PLL, 25.90%), dipalmitoyl-linolenoyl-glycerol (PPLn, 1.66%), dioleoyl-linoleyl-glycerol (OOL, 1.68%), dilinoleyl-stearyl-glycerol (SLL, 8.28%), palmitoyl-oleyl-linoleyl-glycerol (POL, 8.76%), dipalmitoyl-linoleyl-glycerol (PPL, 13.74%), dilinoleyl-arachidyl-glycerol (ALL, 3.51%), trioleoyl-glycerol (OOO, 2.33%), palmitoyl -linoleyl-stearyl -glycerol (PLS, 8.73%), and distearoyl-linolenonyl-glycerol (SSLn, 2.91%). The relative composition (%) was obtained directly from the data system with the photodiode array detector.