Aroma-active compounds, sensory profile, and phenolic composition of Fondillón

Phytochemical Profiling and Antioxidant Activities of the Most Favored Ready-to-Use Thai Curries, Pad-Ka-Proa (Spicy Basil Leaves) and Massaman

Food is one of the factors with the highest impact on human health. Today, attention is paid not only to food properties such as energy provision and palatability but also to functional aspects including phytochemical, antioxidant properties, etc. Massaman and spicy basil leaf curries are famous Thai food dishes with a good harmony of flavor and taste, derived from multiple herbs and spices, including galangal rhizomes, chili pods, garlic bulbs, peppers, shallots, and coriander seeds, that provide an array of health benefits. The characterization of phytochemicals detected by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS identified 99 components (Masaman) and 62 components (spicy basil leaf curry) such as quininic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, luteolin, kaempferol, catechin, eugenol, betulinic acid, and gingerol. The cynaroside and luteolin-7-O-glucoside found in spicy basil leaf curry play a key role in antioxidant activities and were found at a significantly higher concentration than in Massaman curry. Phenolic and flavonoid compounds generally exhibit a bitter and astringent taste, but all the panelists scored both curries higher than 7 out of 9, confirming their acceptable flavor. Results suggest that the Massaman and spicy basil leaves contain various phytochemicals at different levels and may be further used as functional ingredients and nutraceutical products.

Thermal stabilisation of cocoa fruit pulp - Effects on sensory properties, colour and microbiological stability

To improve cocoa pulp's shelf-life, preservation processes are necessary while maintaining the quality of the pulp. We applied pasteurisation and UHT-treatment and investigated different quality parameters: dry matter content, water activity, total soluble solids, colour and peroxidase activity. Both technologies inactivated peroxidase successfully. The colour of the pasteurised pulp was similar to the fresh, while UHT-treated pulp was more brownish. The sensory properties were investigated in detail by descriptive analysis and the identification of aroma-active volatile organic compounds. Fresh pulp revealed the highest aroma intensity for attribute unripe banana-like, whereas UHT-treated pulp scored highest in the intensity of attribute tropical fruit-like. Pasteurised pulp showed strong similarities to the fresh pulp. Fresh cocoa pulp exhibited 74 aroma-active regions identified by GC-MS/O. UHT-treated and pasteurised pulp accounted for 66 and 60 aroma-active regions, respectively. Five identified substances were only found in the fresh and pasteurised pulp, namely: δ-carene, 1-pentanol, 3-(methylthio)propanol, phenol and δ-undecalactone. Similarly, fresh and UHT-treated pulp shared ten exclusive odorants, such as decanal, geraniol, and δ-nonalactone. The pasteurised and UHT-treated pulp shared two compounds, δ-decalactone and 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural. Furthermore, the thermally treated pulps could be stored at 4 °C and 23 °C for 24 weeks without observing a significant growth of microorganisms. The rate of non-enzymatic browning was higher in samples stored at 23 °C compared to those stored at 4 °C, leading to higher browning indices. We demonstrated that pasteurisation and ultra-high temperature treatment are suitable technologies for the stabilisation of cocoa fruit pulp. These resulted in prolonged shelf-lifes and minimal changes in the sensory prorperties of the treated pulps, characterised by a reduction in the aroma diversities. This work provides important insights for the thermal stabilisation of further side-streams.

Changes in anthocyanin pigments, trans-resveratrol, and colorimetric characteristics of Fondillón wine and other “Monastrell” wines during the aging period

The studied red wines, which are Fondillón, reserva, crianza, and young, are prepared from exclusive “Monastrell” grapes, and protected under the Alicante Denomination of Origin (Alicante, Spain). The objectives of the present study were (i) to show the effect of aging period on the amount of anthocyanin pigments, trans-resveratrol, and the colorimetric characteristics (color intensity, color density, and tonality) of Fondillón and other Monastrell wines (young, crianza, and reserva) which have different aging periods, and (ii) to propose a new traceability method for the determination of the Fondillón originality. Identification of anthocyanin compounds and determination of trans-resveratrol content were performed using LC–MS/MS. Correlation analysis was performed among anthocyanin compounds and color parameters. A sharp decrease in the anthocyanins content was observed in Fondillón wine. Besides, statistically significant changes were found in all colorimetric parameters between young and Fondillón samples. A significant change from red hue to brick red/yellow hue was observed between the colors of young and Fondillón wines, respectively. A significant decrease in the content of trans-resveratrol was also observed as a result of the aging period of these “Monastrell” wines. In this study, anthocyanin compounds of Fondillón wine were identified for the first time and their effects on the colorimetric parameters of the wine were revealed. Consequently, the authenticity of Fondillón wines can be determined by monitoring of anthocyanin compounds and trans-resveratrol.

Characterisation of key odorants causing honey aroma in Feng-flavour Baijiu during the 17-year ageing process by multivariate analysis combined with foodomics

Honey aroma is a typical sensory characteristic of Feng-flavour Baijiu, which originates from a unique manufacturing process, the formation mechanism of which is unclear. Multivariate analysis combined with foodomics assisted by sensory evaluation was performed to investigate the molecular mechanism of honey aroma formation in Feng-flavour Baijiu during the 17-year ageing process. A total of 1995 compounds was identified, and 47 variables were screened as significant substances according to variable importance in projection and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (|ρ| > 0.7), which corroborated that the long-term interaction between Baijiu and storage containers was the dominant origin of honey aroma. Recombination and omission experiments further validated the important contributions of significant substances, including acids, alcohols, aldehydes and ketones. A typical honey aroma dominated by fruity, floral, sweet and nutty notes was successfully simulated, and nutty notes could be enhanced by amides, whereas amines presented masking effects on fruity and floral aromas.

Consumer Profile and Drivers Influencing Consumer Behavior towards Fondillón, a European Protected Naturally Sweet Red Wine

Fondillón is a naturally sweet red wine, protected within the Alicante Denomination of Origin (Alicante, Spain) and recognized by the European Union in its E-Bacchus database. The aims of this study were (i) to evaluate the degree of consumer acceptance and satisfaction towards Fondillón, (ii) to establish key drivers controlling consumer satisfaction, and (iii) to establish a general profile of the typical Fondillón consumer. The experiment consisted of three complementary studies: (i) a descriptive sensory analysis of five Fondillón samples representing all samples being marketed, (ii) an affective test using wine consumers (n = 100), and (iii) an online questionnaire to identify the main characteristic of a Fondillón consumer (n = 294). The main consumption drivers were good balance, intense floral and fruity notes, and long aftertaste. The current typical Fondillón consumer is a 42–52 year-old man, with a higher education level, with a 25,000–50,000 euros/year income, and who drinks it mainly at home. The online study showed that 50% of respondents do not consume Fondillón because they do not know it, because it is very expensive, or because it is not so easy to find. Therefore, producers should improve their communication campaigns and distribution networks as key parts of their marketing strategies regarding Fondillón.

Volatile Profile Characterization of Winter Jujube from Different Regions via HS-SPME-GC/MS and GC-IMS

A combined untargeted and targeted approach was established for fingerprinting volatile organic compounds in winter jujubes from eight regions of China. Volatiles, including alcohols, aldehydes, acids, esters, and alkenes, were identified by gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS). Benzyl alcohol, octanoic acid, 2-hexenal, linalool, 2-nonenal, and ethyl decanoate were the most common compounds present in all jujubes. Principal component analysis (PCA) from GC-IMS and untargeted E-nose showed that the main volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of most jujubes were similar. The volatile organic compounds of winter jujubes from Yuncheng city, Shanxi province, and Aksu region, Xinjiang province, were significantly different from those from other regions. 1-Penten-3-ol, ethyl hexanoate, methyl laurate, and 2-formyltoluene were the markers of XJAKS with green and fruity aroma, and SXYC could be labeled by acetone and 2-methoxyphenol with woody and pungent aroma. GC-IMS was an effective method for volatile fingerprinting of jujubes with high sensitivity and accuracy.

Effects of different yeast strains, nutrients and glutathione-rich inactivated yeast addition on the aroma characteristics of Catarratto wines

Catarratto is one of the most common non-aromatic white grape varieties cultivated in Sicily (Southern Italy). In order to improve the aromatic expression of Catarratto wines a trial was undertaken to investigate the effect of yeast strain, nutrition and reduced glutathione. Variables included two Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains, an oenological strain (GR1) and one isolated from honey by-products (SPF52), three different nutrition regimes (Stimula Sauvignon Blanc™ (SS), Stimula Chardonnay™ (SC) and classic nutrition practice), and a specific inactivated yeast rich in reduced glutathione to prevent oxidative processes [Glutastar™ (GIY)] ensuing in ten treatments (T1-T10). Microbiological and chemical parameters demonstrated the aptitude of strain SPF52 to successfully conduct alcoholic fermentation. During fermentation, the Saccharomyces yeast populations ranged from 7 to 8 logarithmic CFU/mL. All wines had a final ethanol content ranging between 12.91 and 13.85% (v/v). The dominance of the two starter strains over native yeast populations was higher than 97% as estimated by interdelta analysis. The addition of nutrients SS or SC increased the aromatic complexity of the wines as reflected by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) composition and sensory profiles. In particular, 32 VOCs were identified; alcohols (62.46-81.1%), thiols (0.27-0.87%), ethers (0.09-0.16%), aldehydes (0-1.21%), ketones (0-2.28%), carboxylic acids (4.21-12.32%), esters (0-10.85%), lactones (0.9-1.49%) and other compounds (0.77-6.9%). Sensory analysis demonstrated a significant impact on wine aroma in relation to yeast starter strain used, the type of nutrition (SS, SC or classic nutrition) and the presence/absence of GIY. The wines produced with GR1 yeast strain and SS (T2), SPF52 with SC (T9) both in presence of GIY showed higher overall quality. Trials T2 and T9 showed the highest scores for 13 and 18 attributes, respectively. The different nutrition, addition of GIY and the yeast starter strains diversified and enhanced sensory expression of Catarratto wines.

Effect of Aging Vessel (Clay-Tinaja versus Oak Barrel) on the Volatile Composition, Descriptive Sensory Profile, and Consumer Acceptance of Red Wine

Consumers look for unique wines, offering pleasant experiences. Wine producers need to open new markets and are targeting countries with fewer traditions in drinking red and complex wines, such as Poland, Russia and Germany. The use of less popular aging vessels (e.g., clay-tinajas) will help in creating unique wines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the aging vessel on the volatile and sensory profiles and consumer acceptance of red wine in Spain and Poland (model of potential new markets). Three wines were studied: (i) wine A, aged in a clay-tinaja with non-permeable coating); (ii) wine B, aged in clay-tinaja without coating; and (iii) wine C, aged in oak barrels (control). The key families in the volatile profiles were esters (wines B and C) and organic acids and terpenes (wine A). Wine A was described as sour and bitter, wine B had a distinctive mineral note, and wine C had a complex profile with typical wood notes. Finally, wines C and A were the preferred ones for Spanish and Polish consumers, respectively. Clay-tinaja wine A can be a good option to introduce clay-tinaja wines in Polish and similar markets because it is a unique product and fulfills the sensory demands/habits of Polish consumers.

Non-conventional yeasts from fermented honey by-products: Focus on Hanseniaspora uvarum strains for craft beer production

The increasing interest in novel beer productions focused on non-Saccharomyces yeasts in order to pursue their potential in generating groundbreaking sensory profiles. Traditional fermented beverages represent an important source of yeast strains which could express interesting features during brewing. A total of 404 yeasts were isolated from fermented honey by-products and identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Zygosaccharomyces bailii, Zygosaccharomyces rouxii and Hanseniaspora uvarum. Five H. uvarum strains were screened for their brewing capability. Interestingly, Hanseniaspora uvarum strains showed growth in presence of ethanol and hop and a more rapid growth than the control strain S. cerevisiae US-05. Even though all strains showed a very low fermentation power, their concentrations ranged between 7 and 8 Log cycles during fermentation. The statistical analyses showed significant differences among the strains and underlined the ability of YGA2 and YGA34 to grow rapidly in presence of ethanol and hop. The strain YGA34 showed the best technological properties and was selected for beer production. Its presence in mixed- and sequential-culture fermentations with US-05 did not influence attenuation and ethanol concentration but had a significant impact on glycerol and acetic acid concentrations, with a higher sensory complexity and intensity, representing promising co-starters during craft beer production.

Impact of the Timing and Temperature of Malolactic Fermentation on the Aroma Composition and Mouthfeel Properties of Chardonnay Wine

Malolactic fermentation (MLF) is an important process in wine production due to the resulting reduction in acidity. MLF is typically induced by the addition of Oenococcus oeni after the completion of alcoholic fermentation (AF), but can occur concurrent with AF by co-inoculation of O. oeni with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This study investigated the effect of MLF inoculation timing and temperature (15 °C and 21 °C) and the presence of the non-Saccharomyces yeast Torulaspora delbrueckii on Chardonnay wine aroma and mouthfeel. Aroma composition was measured using headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GCMS). Mouthfeel attributes of the wines produced were assessed by a winemaker panel, using Napping^® and Ultra-flash profiling. Significant differences in aroma composition and mouthfeel perception were found based on MLF timing and inoculation conditions, as well as between temperatures. Temperature had a greater impact on the aroma composition for sequential inoculations, while there were little differences based on the temperature of concurrent fermentations. Treatment type and temperature also affected the chemical composition of finished wines. Mouthfeel was impacted, although not as strongly as aroma composition. These findings demonstrate the usefulness of various MLF practices to influence the sensory qualities of a Chardonnay wine.