Pu-Erh
tea, as a typical post-fermented tea, can be divided into
raw Pu-Erh tea (RAPT) and ripened Pu-Erh tea (RIPT) according to the
processing technology. It is famous for its unique aroma after aging.
Although previous research on the aroma characteristics of Pu-Erh
tea mostly focused on the aroma compounds, little research on chiral
compounds in RAPT and RIPT has been performed. Therefore, the current
work aims to explore the aroma characteristics of Pu-Erh tea from
the perspective of enantiomers of chiral compounds. A total of 15
enantiomers were determined in this study, among which (R)-(−)-2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexanone, (R)-(−)-linalool,
(S)-(+)-linalool, (R)-(+)-δ-octanolactone,
(R)-(+)-γ-nonanolactone, (2R,5R)-(+)-theaspirone A, and (R)-(−)-dihydroactinidiolide
were identified as enantiomeric compounds that play an important role
in the aroma of RAPT and RIPT. Furthermore, (2S,5R)-trans-linalool oxide and (R)-(+)-α-terpineol were important contributors to the aroma
profile of RAPT, while (S)-(+)-2-methylbutanal, (S)-(−)-limonene, S-(−)-α-terpineol,
and (1R,2R)-(−)-methyl jasmonate
contributed to the characteristic aroma of RIPT. The addition of these
enantiomeric compounds brings the aroma closer to that of the original
tea sample. In addition, the analysis of chiral enantiomers of linalool,
limonene, theaspirone A, and γ-nonanolactone can provide guidance
for the quality and flavor control of Pu-Erh tea aroma.