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