Gas chromatography–olfactometry coupled with sensory
analysis and partial least-squares regression (PLSR) analysis led
to the identification of the odorants responsible for the different
flavors of four yeast extracts. Sensory analysis showed that LA00L
had an intense sulfurous attribute, and LA00 was characterized by
fatty and green notes, FA31 exhibited the floral odor, while KA02
had strong phenolic, animal, fermented, roasted, and caramellic notes.
A total of 37 key aroma compounds with odor activity values greater
than 1 were determined. 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol and
methional were the most potent aroma compounds. In addition, the key
aroma compounds in LA00L were nonanal, dimethyl disulfide, and γ-decalactone.
Octanal, dimethyl disulfide, and benzeneacetaldehyde were the key
aroma compounds in LA00. In FA31, styrene, benzeneacetaldehyde, and
acetophenone were the key aroma compounds, while indole, 2-methoxyphenol,
benzeneacetaldehyde, and p-cresol contributed significantly
to the aroma of KA02. PLSR showed that p-cresol and
indole were significantly responsible for the phenolic and animal
notes inducing the off-flavor (yeasty odor) of yeasty extracts. More
significantly, indole was first reported to have an important effect
on yeasty odor.