The influence of pH was studied on volatile flavor formation
during
thermal treatment of an Amadori rearrangement product (ARP) with or
without the addition of cysteine (Cys). The formation of thiols and
sulfides or 2-acetylthiazole and pyrazines induced by Cys during thermal
degradation of ARP was pH-dependent. At low pH levels, the hydrolysis
of Cys to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was promoted, giving rise
to the increase of thiols and sulfides with an obvious meaty aroma.
However, alkaline conditions were beneficial for enhancing the cyclization
or transformation of imine to the enol structure, which strengthened
the formation of 2-acetylthiazole and pyrazines with a roasted and
nutty aroma. The imine was derived from the nucleophilic addition
of Cys and methylglyoxal (MGO) and subsequent decarboxylation. At
pH 8, Cys-induced variation of the flavor profile was weakened during
thermal degradation of ARP. Accordingly, the combinational effect
of pH and added Cys could be beneficial for achieving the desirable
flavors during thermal processing of ARP.