Release of volatile odor compounds from full-fat and reduced-fat frankfurters

The effect of fat content on the release of volatile aroma compounds from frankfurters has been investigated. Although the release of most n-alkanals, alcohols, ketones, and furans was little affected by changes in the fat content of frankfurters, that of monoterpene hydrocarbons, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, terpenes containing oxygen, cyclopentenones, phenyl propanoids, and phenols was greatly increased when the fat content was decreased. Some odors were also detected more frequently in the low-fat than in the full-fat sausages. These included smoky odors, due to phenols, spicy, synthetic, and floral odors due to terpenes, and meaty, roasted odors caused by sulfur-containing heterocyclic compounds. The release of aroma compounds from frankfurters appears to be closely related to the solvation of these compounds in the lipid phase.     

Influence of the addition of rosemary essential oil on the volatiles pattern of porcine frankfurters

The effect of the addition of increasing levels of rosemary essential oil (150, 300, and 600 mg/kg) on the generation of volatile compounds in frankfurters from Iberian and white pigs was analyzed using solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS). Lipid-derived volatiles such as aldehydes (hexanal, octanal, nonanal) and alcohols (pentan-1-ol, hexan-1-ol, oct-1-en-3-ol) were the most abundant compounds in the headspace (HS) of porcine frankfurters. Frankfurters from different pig breeds presented different volatile profiles due to their different oxidation susceptibilities as a likely result of their fatty acid composition and vitamin E content. Rosemary essential oil showed a different effect on the generation of volatiles depending on the type of frankfurter in which they were added. In frankfurters from Iberian pigs, the antioxidant effect of the essential oil improved with increasing levels, showing the highest activity at 600 mg/kg. In contrast, 150 mg/kg of the essential oil improved the oxidative stability of frankfurters from white pigs, whereas higher levels led to no effect or a prooxidant effect. The activity of the essential oil could have been affected by the different fatty acid compositions and vitamin E contents between types of frankfurters. SPME successfully allowed the isolation and analysis of volatile terpenes from frankfurters with added rosemary essential oil including alpha-pinene, beta-myrcene, l-limonene, (E)-caryophyllene, linalool, camphor, and 1,8-cineole, which might contribute to the aroma characteristics of frankfurters.     

Smoke-derived taint in wine: the release of smoke-derived volatile phenols during fermentation of Merlot juice following grapevine exposure to smoke

The release of smoke-derived volatile phenols during the fermentation of Merlot grapes, following grapevine exposure to smoke, has been investigated. The concentrations of guaiacol, 4-methylguaiacol, 4-ethylguaiacol, 4-ethylphenol, and eugenol were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and found to increase throughout the winemaking process. Only trace levels (< or = 1 microg/L) of guaiacol and 4-methylguaiacol could be detected in free run juice derived from the fruit of smoked vines; the highest levels, 388 microg/L and 93 microg/L, respectively, were observed in the finished wine. Control wine (derived from fruit of unsmoked vines) contained 4 microg/L guaiacol, with the volatile phenols either not detected or detected at only trace levels (< or = 1 microg/L) throughout fermentation. The role of enzyme and acid catalyzed hydrolysis reactions in releasing smoke-derived volatile compounds was also investigated. The volatile phenols were released from smoked free run juice by strong acid hydrolysis (pH 1.0) and enzyme (beta-glucosidase) hydrolysis, but not mild acid hydrolysis (juice pH 3.2-3.7). Guaiacol was again the most abundant smoke-derived phenol, present at 431 microg/L and 325 microg/L in strong acid and enzyme hydrolysates, respectively. Only trace levels of each phenol could be detected in each control hydrolysate. This study demonstrates the potential for under-estimation of smoke taint in fruit and juice samples; the implications for the assessment of smoke taint and quantification of volatile phenols are discussed.     

Development of a phenol-enriched olive oil with both its own phenolic compounds and complementary phenols from thyme

Besides affecting the oil's sensorial characteristics, the presence of herbs and spices has an impact on the nutritional value of the flavored oils. The aim of the study was to develop a new product based on the phenol-enrichment of a virgin olive oil with both its own phenolic compounds (secoiridoid derivatives) plus additional complementary phenols from thyme (flavonoids). We studied the effect of the addition of phenolic extracts (olive cake and thyme) on phenolic composition, oxidative stability, antioxidant activity, and bitter sensory attribute of olive oils. Results showed that flavonoids from thyme appeared to have higher transference ratios (average 89.7%) from the phenolic extract to oil, whereas secoiridoids from olive presented lower transference ratios (average 35.3%). The bitter sensory attribute of the phenol-enriched oils diminished with an increase of the concentration of phenols from thyme, which might denote an improvement in the consumer acceptance.     

Influence of thermal treatment on black currant (Ribes nigrum L.) juice aroma

The influence of thermal treatment on black currant juice aroma was investigated in temperature and time ranges relevant for black currant juice concentration processes, namely, 45, 60, 75, and 90 degrees C. Forty-nine aroma compounds were quantified, and the thermal treatment resulted in concentration increases of most terpenes, aldehydes, furans, and phenols, whereas the concentration of esters slightly decreased. Higher temperatures and longer exposure times had larger effects on the aroma compounds. Odor triangle tests showed no sensory difference between pasteurized juice and juice heated at 60 degrees C, whereas juice heated at 90 degrees C differed significantly from pasteurized juice. It is concluded that a 90 degrees C thermal treatment of black currant juice, which is in the temperature range used for conventional evaporation of black currant juice, has an effect on the aroma and sensory properties.     

Characterization of odor-active compounds in guava wine

The volatile compounds of guava wine were isolated by continuous solvent extraction and analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. A total of 124 volatile constituents were detected, and 102 of them were positively identified. The composition of guava wine included 52 esters, 24 alcohols, 11 ketones, 7 acids, 6 aldehydes, 6 terpenes, 4 phenols and derivatives, 4 lactones, 4 sulfur-compounds, and 5 miscellaneous compounds. The aroma-active areas in the gas chromatogram were screened by application of the aroma extract dilution analysis and by odor activity values. Twelve odorants were considered as odor-active volatiles: (E)-β-damascenone, ethyl octanoate, ethyl 3-phenylpropanoate, ethyl hexanoate, 3-methylbutyl acetate, 2-methyltetrahydrothiophen-3-one, 2,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-3(2H)-furanone, ethyl (E)-cinnamate, ethyl butanoate, (E)-cinnamyl acetate, 3-phenylpropyl acetate, and ethyl 2-methylpropanoate.     

Volatile methoxybenzene compounds in grains with off-odors

More than 20 volatile methoxybenzene compounds were found in a set of 745 corn, sorghum, soybean, and wheat samples obtained from official grain inspectors. Most samples containing methoxybenzenes were off-odor. By using an autosampler, volatiles were purged from whole grain at 80 degrees C, collected on Tenax, and then thermally desorbed and transferred to a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer for separation and identification. Use of an infrared detector aided identification of some compounds, especially isomers with similar mass spectra. Samples with insect odor had 1,4-dimethoxybenzene and its 2-methyl, 2-ethyl, and 2-methoxy derivatives that appeared to be derived from 1,4-quinones, which are known (except for 2-methoxy) defensive secretions of Tribolium insects. Samples with mostly musty, sour, and/or smoke odors commonly contained methoxybenzene and 1, 2-dimethoxybenzene along with their 4-ethyl and 4-ethenyl derivatives, 4-chloro-1-methoxybenzene, and/or 2-methoxyphenol and its 4-ethyl derivative. Other methoxybenzenes were also found, including methoxy derivatives of other phenols and N-heterocyclic compounds. Co-occurrences and correlations of levels of some compounds were also reported to indicate relationships with odors and inter-relationships among compounds.     

Smoke-derived taint in wine: effect of postharvest smoke exposure of grapes on the chemical composition and sensory characteristics of wine

Although smoke exposure has been associated with the development of smoke taint in grapes and subsequently in wine, to date there have been no studies that have demonstrated a direct link. In this study, postharvest smoke exposure of grapes was utilized to demonstrate that smoke significantly influences the chemical composition and sensory characteristics of wine and causes an apparent 'smoke taint'. Verdelho grapes were exposed to straw-derived smoke for 1 h and then fermented according to two different winemaking treatments. Control wines were made by fermenting unsmoked grapes. Sensory studies established a perceivable difference between smoked and unsmoked wines; smoked wines were described as exhibiting 'smoky', 'dirty', 'earthy', 'burnt' and 'smoked meat' characteristics. Quantitative analysis, by means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, identified guaiacol, 4-methylguaiacol, 4-ethylguaiacol, 4-ethylphenol, eugenol, and furfural in each of the wines made from smoked grapes. However, these compounds were not detected in the unsmoked wines, and their origin is therefore attributed to the application of smoke. Increased ethanol concentrations and browning were also observed in wines made from grapes exposed to smoke.     

Comparison of volatile components in dried scallops (Chlamys farreri and Patinopecten yessoensis) prepared by boiling and steaming methods

Comparison of two types of dried scallops, Chlamys farreri and Patinopecten yessoensis, and effects of preparation methods (boiling and steaming) on the composition of their volatile components were carried out by simultaneous steam distillation and extraction and with analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. One hundred and seventy-two compounds were identified, three tentatively. Qualitatively, both scallops had similar components. Quantitatively, C. farreri contained more components with higher levels in aldehydes, alkanes, naphthalenes, esters, furans, miscellaneous compounds, alcohols, and ketones, whereas P. yessoensis had more components with higher levels in aromatics, pyrazines, pyridines, sulfur-containing compounds, and terpenes from both boiling and steaming methods. Comparison between methods for the same scallop showed that similar qualities of components were detected. Overall, more compounds with higher levels were detected from the boiling method.     

Inhibitory effects of naturally occurring compounds on aflatoxin B(1) biotransformation.

Effects of naturally occurring compounds from plants on biotransformation of a mycotoxin, aflatoxin B(1), were evaluated. Among 77 naturally occurring compounds tested, anthraquinones, coumarins, and flavone-type flavonoids were shown to be potent inhibitors of aflatoxin B(1)-8,9-epoxide formation. Addition of the flavonoids galangin, rhamnetin, and flavone strongly inhibited mouse liver microsomal conversion of aflatoxin B(1) to aflatoxin B(1)-8,9-epoxide, a metabolically activated mutagenic product. In contrast to these results, addition of isoflavonoids, catechins, terpenes, alkaloids, and quinones to mouse liver microsomes did not inhibit formation of aflatoxin B(1)-8,9-epoxide. Formation of the aflatoxin B(1) reductase product, aflatoxicol, by chicken liver cytosols was strongly inhibited by curcumin, the diferuloylmethane present in turmeric and other Curcuma species. Curcumin analogues also showed inhibitory effects, and a structure-activity study established that beta-diketone groups linked with two benzyl moieties were essential for inhibition of aflatoxicol formation. An additional 37 naturally occurring compounds tested did not inhibit formation of aflatoxicol. These results demonstrate that dietary constituents in certain fruits, vegetables, and spices may have significant inhibitory effects on metabolic transformation of aflatoxins to their hepatotoxic or carcinogenic derivatives or, alternatively, may promote their transformation into nontoxic products.     

Aroma of Cooked Rice (Oryza sativa): Comparison Between Commercial Basmati and Italian Line B5-3

Selected lines of aromatic rice from American cv. A301 were cultivated in Italy, and the agronomic traits and chemical properties related to their aroma were studied. The most characteristic compound responsible for aromatic rice, 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, was quantified in all lines. Line B5-3, characterized by high 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline content, was investigated in greater detail for its volatile components and was compared with a commercial Basmati rice. Volatiles were collected by steam-distillation. Several classes of compounds were identified and quantified in both samples, including hydrocarbons, aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, heterocyclic, terpenes, disulfides, and phenols. Hexanal was the most abundant compound in both samples, followed by pentanal, 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, hexanol, benzaldehyde, oct-1-en-3-ol, 4-vinylguaiacol, indole, and trans-2- nonenal. 2-Acetyl-1-pyrroline was present at 570 and 2,350 ppb in Basmati and B5-3, respectively.     

Acute, sublethal, antifeedant, and synergistic effects of monoterpenoid essential oil compounds on the tobacco cutworm, Spodoptera litura (Lep., Noctuidae)

Monoterpenoids (terpenes and biogenically related phenols) commonly found in plant essential oils were tested for acute toxicity via topical application to tobacco cutworms (Spodoptera litura Fab.). The most toxic among 10 such compounds was thymol (LD(50) = 25.4 microg/larva) from garden thyme, Thymus vulgaris. The compounds were then tested for sublethal effects, specifically inhibition of larval growth after topical application of low doses. Among 6 compounds tested, an LD(10) dose reduced growth by 20% on average 3 days after administration. Feeding deterrence was determined using a cabbage leaf disk choice test. The most deterrent compound was thymol, with a DC(50) of 85.6 microg/cm(2) leaf disk area. Because minor constituents in complex essential oils have been suggested to act as synergists, binary mixtures of the compounds were tested for synergy vis à vis acute toxicity and feeding deterrence. trans-Anethole acted synergistically with thymol, citronellal, and alpha-terpineol, in terms of both acute toxicity and feeding deterrence. On the basis of these findings, several complex mixtures were developed and tested as leads for effective control agents. Candidate mixtures demonstrated good synergistic effects. The observed LD(50) of mixture 3 was 40.6 microg/larvae compared to an expected value of 74.6 microg/larvae. The result of this research is a proprietary product suitable for commercial production.     

Antioxidant capacity of 26 spice extracts and characterization of their phenolic constituents

Total equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and phenolic content of 26 common spice extracts from 12 botanical families were investigated. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of major phenolics in the spice extracts were systematically conducted by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Many spices contained high levels of phenolics and demonstrated high antioxidant capacity. Wide variation in TEAC values (0.55-168.7 mmol/100 g) and total phenolic content (0.04-14.38 g of gallic acid equivalent/100 g) was observed. A highly positive linear relationship (R2= 0.95) obtained between TEAC values and total phenolic content showed that phenolic compounds in the tested spices contributed significantly to their antioxidant capacity. Major types of phenolic constituents identified in the spice extracts were phenolic acids, phenolic diterpenes, flavonoids, and volatile oils (e.g., aromatic compounds). Rosmarinic acid was the dominant phenolic compound in the six spices of the family Labiatae. Phenolic volatile oils were the principal active ingredients in most spices. The spices and related families with the highest antioxidant capacity were screened, e.g., clove in the Myrtaceae, cinnamon in the Lauraceae, oregano in the Labiatae, etc., representing potential sources of potent natural antioxidants for commercial exploitation. This study provides direct comparative data on antioxidant capacity and total and individual phenolics contents of the 26 spice extracts.     

Formation of a seed germination promoter from carbohydrates and amino acids

The ability of plant-derived smoke to act as a germination cue in many species has led to widespread interest in this aspect of seed biology. Recently, 3-methyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one was identified as the main germination cue from smoke. Here, we report on the formation of this compound from reactions of sugars with amino acids. Heating proteins or amino acids with sugars at 180 degrees C for 30 min produces water soluble extracts that promote germination. High-performance liquid chromatography indicated that the active compound(s) derived from these reactions coeluted with the active fraction from a smoke solution. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy showed that the active constituent is identical to the germination cue from plant-derived smoke. The results presented in this paper provide evidence for the formation of the major germination cue found in smoke from ubiquitously occurring organic compounds.     

Comparison of isolation methods for the determination of important aroma compounds in black currant (Ribes nigrum L.) juice, using nasal impact frequency profiling

The influence of isolation method on the determination of important aroma compounds in black currant juice was investigated by surface of nasal impact frequency (SNIF) gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O). The applied methods were solvent extraction, static headspace, and purge and trap using 15 and 60 min of purge time. By the four methods, a total of 59 odors were observed, and, of these, 44 corresponded to compounds that could be identified. For the headspace methods increasing purge volumes resulted in recoveries of additional, less volatile compounds. The main compound groups recovered by the headspace methods were esters and terpenes, whereas compounds recovered by solvent extraction were not as dominated by fruity odors. For most compounds there was agreement between the size of the SNIF value obtained by GC-O and the amount of the measurable compound found by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.     

Phenolic and volatile composition of wines made from Vitis vinifera cv. Muscat lefko grapes from the island of Samos

A study of the phenolic and volatile composition of wines produced from the white cultivar Muscat lefko from the island of Samos was conducted. Dry, fortified, naturally sweet wines and mistelles (aged and nonaged) have been studied. The phenolic components (flavan-3-ols, hydroxycinnamates, and flavonols) were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography after solid phase extraction (SPE). The terpenes (free and glycosidically linked) were determined by the use of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) after SPE. The fermentation aroma components were analyzed by GC-MS after liquid-liquid extraction. It was found that the dry wines contained lower amounts of most of the phenolics and higher quantities of terpenes and fermentation aroma compounds than the sweet wines. The aged mistelle wines contained lower levels of coutaric and caftaric acids, higher concentrations of the free acids, and markedly fewer free and bound terpenes and fermentation aroma components compared to the other sweet wines. The naturally sweet wine contained relatively increased amounts of phenolics, 2,3-butanediol, and glycosidically linked terpenes.     

DNA-based identification of spices: DNA isolation, whole genome amplification, and polymerase chain reaction

Usually spices are identified morphologically using simple methods like magnifying glasses or microscopic instruments. On the other hand, molecular biological methods like the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) enable an accurate and specific detection also in complex matrices. Generally, the origins of spices are plants with diverse genetic backgrounds and relationships. The processing methods used for the production of spices are complex and individual. Consequently, the development of a reliable DNA-based method for spice analysis is a challenging intention. However, once established, this method will be easily adapted to less difficult food matrices. In the current study, several alternative methods for the isolation of DNA from spices have been developed and evaluated in detail with regard to (i) its purity (photometric), (ii) yield (fluorimetric methods), and (iii) its amplifiability (PCR). Whole genome amplification methods were used to preamplify isolates to improve the ratio between amplifiable DNA and inhibiting substances. Specific primer sets were designed, and the PCR conditions were optimized to detect 18 spices selectively. Assays of self-made spice mixtures were performed to proof the applicability of the developed methods.     

北京地区酱卤牛肉中挥发性风味物质剖面分析

为研究酱卤牛肉中挥发性风味物质的贡献程度,以北京地区老字号酱卤牛肉(稻香村、天福号、月盛斋、东来顺)为研究对象,探究各酱卤牛肉产品中风味物质的组成、质量浓度及整体贡献,并采用顶空固相微萃取-气相色谱-质谱联用技术对北京地区老字号酱卤牛肉中的挥发性风味成分进行定性定量分析。结果表明,4种酱卤牛肉产品中共鉴定出78种挥发性风味物质,其中气味活性物质(OAV ≥1)12种,分别为庚醛、壬醛、肉豆蔻醛、桉叶油醇、芳樟醇、(-)-4-萜品醇、L-α-松油醇、α-松油醇、草蒿脑、茴香脑、1-甲基萘、2-戊基呋喃,被确定为主体风味物质。因具有相对较高的OAV和特殊风味,壬醛、桉叶油醇、芳樟醇、草蒿脑、茴香脑被认定为北京地区老字号酱卤牛肉的特征风味物质,酮类、酯类和部分醇类为修饰风味物质。对12种气味活性物质进行主成分分析和聚类分析,发现不同酱卤牛肉的风味轮廓差异显著,可明确区分其整体风味情况;气味活性物质可聚为4类,其分别来源于原料肉中脂肪的氧化降解、美拉德反应,以及香辛料的添加等。本研究结果为酱卤牛肉产品的风味调控提供了理论参考。     

Comparison of volatiles of cultured and wild sea bream (Sparus aurata) during storage in ice by dynamic headspace analysis/gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Cultured and wild sea bream were compared for differences in their volatile components over a 23 day storage period in ice. A total of 60 compounds in cultured and 78 compounds in wild sea bream were tentatively identified (in addition to this, there were 23 unknowns in cultured and 29 unknowns in wild sea bream volatiles). These included aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, aromatics, terpenes, furans, sulfur-containing compounds, an acid, and miscellaneous compounds. Although selection of best fish is a subjective matter, more aldehydes, ketones, aromatics, and terpenes were found in wild sea bream as compared to that of its cultured counterpart. Both sea bream samples exhibited complex volatile profiles over the entire storage period. The combination of several classes of volatile compounds, dependent upon their concentrations and odor thresholds, is responsible for the distinctive and unique flavor of fresh cultured and wild sea bream. Relative concentrations of several compounds (trimethylamine, piperidine, methanethiol, dimethyl disulfide, dimethyl trisulfide, 1-penten-3-ol, 3-methyl-1-butanol, and acetic acid) increased continually throughout the storage period, and these may have the potential to be used as indicators of sea bream quality.