Recent trends in aroma release and perception during food oral processing: A review

Decoding the Effect of Running on Flavor Perception Changes during Consumption of Sports Drinks

An online survey was conducted to show that most respondents preferred sports drinks with sweet and fruity characteristics. Eleven sports drinks with higher consumers' preferences were further selected for aroma and taste evaluation. Temporal dominance of sensations analysis showed that fruity and fresh attributes were dominant, while sour and fruity sweet were dominant tastes during consumption. β-Damascenone, β-ionone, and linalool contributing to floral perception, γ-decalactone, ethyl cinnamate, and isoamyl acetate contributing to fruity perception, and menthol contributing to fresh perception were confirmed by odor activity value analysis. Running affected the nasal air flow and the saliva secretion, resulting in the flavor perception changing from fruity sweet, sweet, and fruity to sour because the recognition threshold decreased for sweet, fruity, floral, and fresh flavors and increased for saltiness, astringency, and sour tastes.

Electronic tongue, proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometry, spectral analysis, and molecular docking characterization for determining the effect of α-amylase on flavor perception

The effects of α-amylase on of flavor perception were investigated via spectrum analysis, electronic tongue, on-line mass spectrometry, and molecular docking. Aroma release results showed that α-amylase exhibited variable release patterns of different aroma compounds. Electronic tongue analysis showed that the perception of bitterness, sweetness, sour, and saltiness was subtly increased and that of umami was significantly increased (p < 0.01) along with the increasing enzyme activity of α-amylase. Ultraviolet absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy analyses showed that static quenching occurred between α-amylase and eight flavor compounds and their interaction effects were spontaneous. One binding pocket was confirmed between the α-amylase and flavor compounds, and molecular docking simulation results showed that the hydrogen, electrostatic, and hydrophobic bonds were the main force interactions. The TYP82, TRP83, LEU173, HIS80, HIS122, ASP297, ASP206, and ARG344 were the key α-amylase amino acid residues that interacted with the eight flavor compounds.

The coming future: The role of the oral-microbiota-brain axis in aroma release and perception

The field of aroma release and perception during the oral process has been well studied. However, the traditional approaches have not fully explored the integration of oral biology, microbiology, and neurology to further understand aroma release and perception mechanisms. Herein, to address the existing challenges in this field, we introduce the oral-microbiota-brain axis (OMBA), an innovative framework that encapsulates the interactive relationships among saliva and the oral mucosa, the oral microbiota, and the brain in aroma release and perception. This review introduces the OMBA and highlights its role as a key interface facilitating the sensory experience of aroma. Based on a comprehensive literature survey, the specific roles of the oral mucosa, oral microbiota, saliva, and brain in the OMBA are discussed. This integrated approach reveals the importance of each component and the interconnected relationships within this axis in the overall process of aroma release and perception. Saliva and the oral mucosa play fundamental roles in aroma release and perception; the oral microbiota regulates aroma release and impacts olfactory perception; and the brain's intricate neural circuitry is central to the decoding and interpretation of aroma signals. The components of this axis are interdependent, and imbalances can disrupt aroma perception. The OMBA framework not only enhances our comprehension of aroma release and perception but also paves the way for innovative applications that could heighten sensory experiences.

Decoding the Different Aroma-Active Compounds in Soy Sauce for Cold Dishes via a Multiple Sensory Evaluation and Instrumental Analysis

Screening the suitability of soy sauce for specific cooking methods from various products is beneficial for the fine development of the soy sauce industry. Multiple sensory evaluation and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry/olfactometry (GC-MS/O) analysis were combined to decode the suitability of soy sauces for cold dishes and characterize their differential aroma-active compounds. Thirty-two kinds of soy sauce with 42 sensory descriptors were determined via a check-all-that-apply analysis, and werefurther classified into six categories via a cluster analysis. The sensory evaluation results showed that seven soy sauce samples had the highest acceptance in each category. Solid-phase microextraction and solid phase extraction results combined with the GC-MS/O analysis results showed that a total of 38 aroma-active compounds were identified in seven soy sauce samples, among which 2-methoxy-phenol (6-93), ethyl acetate (2-48), 3-methyl-1-butanol (4-30), 3-methyl-butanal (5-24), methional (0-22), dimethyl trisulfide (5-19) and dimethyl disulfide (0-8) showed a higher relative odor activity value (ROAV). A partial least squares regression prediction combined with additional tests further confirmed that 2,5-dimethyl-pyrazine; 2,6-dimethyl-pyrazine; and 2-ethyl-6-methyl-pyrazine significantly contributed to the roasted attributes, methional significantly contributed to the sauce-like notes, ethanol significantly contributed to the alcoholic notes and 2-methoxy-phenol significantly contributed to the smoky notes. 2,5-Dimethyl-pyrazine; methional; 2,6-dimethyl-pyrazine and 2-ethyl-6-methyl-pyrazine significantly contributed to the caramel-like attributes.

Roles of sulfur-containing compounds in fermented beverages with 2-furfurylthiol as a case example

Aroma is a critical component of the flavor and quality of beverages. Among the volatile chemicals responsible for fragrance perception, sulfur compounds are unique odorants due to their extremely low odor threshold. Although trace amounts of sulfur compounds can enhance the flavor profile of beverages, they can lead to off-odors. Sulfur compounds can be formed via Maillard reaction and microbial metabolism, imparting coffee aroma and altering the flavor of beverages. In order to increase the understanding of sulfur compounds in the field of food flavor, 2-furfurylthiol (FFT) was chosen as a representative to discuss the current status of their generation, sensory impact, enrichment, analytical methods, formation mechanisms, aroma deterioration, and aroma regulation. FFT is comprehensively reviewed, and the main beverages of interest are typically baijiu, beer, wine, and coffee. Challenges and recommendations for FFT are also discussed, including analytical methods and mechanisms of formation, interactions between FFT and other compounds, and the development of specific materials to extend the duration of aroma after release.

Isolation and Characterization of Yeast with Benzenemethanethiol Synthesis Ability Isolated from Baijiu Daqu

Baijiu, a prevalent alcoholic beverage, boasts over 2000 aroma compounds, with sulfur-containing compounds being the most influential in shaping its flavor. Benzenemethanethiol, a distinctive odorant in baijiu, is known to enhance the holistic flavor profile of baijiu. Despite its importance, there is very little literature on the biotransformation mechanism of benzenemethanethiol. Thus, extensive research efforts have been made to elucidate the formation mechanism of this compound in order to improve baijiu production. In this study, 12 yeast strains capable of generating benzenemethanethiol were isolated from baijiu daqu, and the Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain J14 was selected for further investigation. The fermentation conditions were optimized, and it was found that the optimal conditions for producing benzenemethanethiol were at 28 °C for 24 h with a 4% (v/v) inoculum of 3.025 g/L L-cysteine. This is the first time that yeast has been shown to produce benzenemethanethiol isolated from the baijiu fermentation system. These findings also suggest that benzenemethanethiol can be metabolized by yeast using L-cysteine and benzaldehyde as precursor substrates.

Effect of Fat to Lean Meat Ratios on the Formation of Volatile Compounds in Mutton Shashliks

This study aimed to investigate the release of volatile compounds in mutton shashliks (named as F_xL_y, x-fat cubes: 0-4; y-lean cubes: 4-0) with different fat-lean ratios before and during consumption, respectively. In total, 67 volatile compounds were identified in shashliks using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Aldehyde, alcohol, and ketone were the major volatile substances, accounting for more than 75% of the total volatile compounds. There were significant differences in the volatile compounds of mutton shashliks with different fat-lean ratios. With the increase of the fat content, the types and content of volatile substances released also increase. However, when the percentage of fat exceeded 50%, the number of furans and pyrazine, which were characteristic of the volatile compounds of roasted meat, was decreased. The release of volatiles during the consumption of mutton shashliks was measured using the exhaled breath test and the results showed that adding an appropriate amount of fat (<50%) helps to enrich the volatile compound components in the mouth. However, shashliks with higher fat-lean ratios (>2:2) shorten the mastication duration and weaken the breakdown of bolus particles in the consumption process, which is not conducive to the release potential of volatile substances. Therefore, setting the fat to lean ratio to 2:2 is the best choice for making mutton shashliks, as it (F₂L₂) can provide rich flavor substances for mutton shashliks before and during consumption.

Sex Differences in the Bitterness Perception of an Aromatic Myrtle Bitter Liqueur and Bitter Compounds

We evaluated sex differences in the perception of bitter compounds and an aromatic bitter herbal liqueur (Mirtamaro) obtained by the infusion of myrtle leaves/berries together with a mixture of Mediterranean herbs/plants as flavoring/bittering ingredients. In a healthy population (n = 231 participants), using bivariate correlations and multivariate linear regression analyses, significant sex differences emerged in quinine bitterness perception, with women showing a higher bitter taste intensity rating than men. Among all participants, 40 subjects (subpopulation) were randomly selected for the evaluation of sex differences in Mirtamaro gustatory and olfactory perception using a hedonic Likert-type scale. Women showed higher ratings in Mirtamaro aroma (odor intensity) and bitterness (taste intensity) perception than men, with a superior capacity to perceive/describe its sensory attributes. 1,8-Cineole and methyl chavicol were the main contributors to the bitter liqueur aroma. A significant correlation (r = 0.564, p < 0.01) between Mirtamaro odor pleasantness/taste pleasantness was observed in women, indicating a positive contribution of aromatic herbs to bitter taste acceptability. Moreover, a higher bitter intensity rating of 6-n-propylthiouracil was evidenced in women than men. Our results highlighted sex differences in bitter taste acuity and the role of aromatic herbs/plants in modulating bitter taste acceptance, which is useful information in the field of precision nutrition and medicine.

Decoding the Effect of Age on the Taste Perception of Chicken Breast Soup Based on LC-QTOF-MS/MS Combined with a Chemometric Approach

A nontargeted fingerprinting approach combined with the chemometrics method and sensory analysis was used to assess the differences in taste-chemical compositions of chicken breast soup with different ages and their sensory qualities. The sensory evaluation results showed that the overall taste as well as the sourness, saltiness, and umami scores of the soup were increased with the age of chicken. Fifty-nine compounds were identified from four soup samples by liquid chromatography-tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS/MS), and their total content was the highest in the 90 wk soup samples. Six upregulated compounds (carnosine, hypoxanthine, inosine, inosine 5'-monophosphate (5'-IMP), adenosine 5'-monophosphate (5'-AMP), and lactic acid) were identified as potential contributors to the taste characteristics of the 90 wk soup samples by orthogonal projections to latent structures-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). Additional experiments showed that 5'-AMP particularly contributed to the sourness of the soup, while carnosine contributed to the saltiness and umami of the soup.

Development of an Effective Protocol for Evaluating the Saltiness Intensity Enhancement of Umami Compounds

Reducing sodium intake without decreasing saltiness perception remains an important target in the food industry. This study developed an effective protocol for evaluating the saltiness perception enhanced by umami compounds. Two sodium chloride solutions (2.00 and 6.00 g/L) were the preferred concentrations for consumers. Two-alternative forced-choice evaluation results confirmed that at a concentration of 2.00 g/L (sodium concentration), the highest replacement ratios of monosodium glutamate and l-alanine (Ala) were 10 and 20% in sodium chloride solution without saltiness intensity decrease, respectively. The highest replacement ratios of l-glycine (Gly) and Ala were 10 and 20% compared to 6.00 g/L, respectively. Temporal dominance of sensations analysis figured out that gum Arabic (GA) could compensate for the decrease of the retention time and increase the overall saltiness perception in the sodium-reduced sample. Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation results showed that Ala and Gly could inhibit the binding of Na⁺ to mucin, thereby increasing the saltiness perception. GA exhibited the best saltiness enhancement effect in sodium-reduced solution by producing the nanoparticles from GA, decreasing the stability of the solution system, enhancing the loading effect of mucin on Na⁺, and prolonging the saltiness perception.

The flavors of edible mushrooms: A comprehensive review of volatile organic compounds and their analytical methods

Due to their distinctive flavors, edible mushrooms have gained attention in flavor-related research, and the quality of their flavors determines their consumption. The odor is a vital element of food flavor that significantly impacts consumers' perceptions and purchase decisions. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of the odorant ingredient is the primary factors affecting scent characteristics. VOCs analysis and identification require technical assistance. The production and use of edible mushrooms can be aided by a broader examination of their volatile constituents. This review discusses the composition of VOCs in edible mushrooms and how they affect flavors. The principles, advantages, and disadvantages of various methods for extraction, isolation, and characterization of the VOCs of edible mushrooms are also highlighted. The numerous VOCs found in edible mushrooms such as primarily C-8 compounds, organic sulfur compounds, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, and esters are summarized along with their effects on the various characteristics of scent. Combining multiple extraction, isolation, identification, and quantification technologies will facilitate rapid and accurate analysis of VOCs in edible mushrooms as proof of sensory attributes and quality.

Characterization of the Volatile Compounds of Onion with Different Fresh-Cut Styles and Storage Temperatures

The flavor of fresh onion and its processed products is an important index with which to evaluate its quality. In this study, the highly volatile compounds of onion with different fresh-cut styles (bulb, ring, and square) and different storage temperatures (4 °C, 20 °C, and 25 °C) were characterized at the molecular level, focusing in particular on the volatile sulfur compounds. Headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) and headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) were employed. A total of 14 highly volatile compounds were identified in onion samples by HS-GC-IMS, and the square sample contained more volatile components. (E,E)-2,4-heptadianal, ethyl acetate, 2-methyl-1-pentanol, 2-pentylfuran, propyl acetate, and 2,6-dimethylpyrazine were produced in the ring and square samples when stored at higher temperatures, while pentanal, 2-heptenal, hexanal were decreased after cutting. Simultaneously, 16 sulfur compounds were identified in onions by HS-SPME-GC-MS. The sulfur compounds profile of the bulbs was significantly different from that of the rings and squares at any temperature. When stored at a low temperature (4 °C), cutting onions into a ring or square shape produced more sulfur. However, at higher temperatures (20 °C and 25 °C), fresh-cutting decreased the sulfur concentration. The total content of sulfur compounds was higher in the same cut style stored at higher temperatures (20 °C or 25 °C). 2-Mercapto-3,4-dimethyl-2,3-dihydrothiophene and 2,4-dimethylthiophene were formed during storage; however, (E)-1-(prop-1-en-1-yl)-3-propyltrisulfane, 1-(1-(methylthio)propyl)-2-propyldisulfane, (Z)-1-(1-propenyldithio)propyl disulfide, dipropyl trisulfide, and methyl 1-(1-propenylthio)propyl disulfide were lost from all samples after storage.

Recent Progress in the Study of Taste Characteristics and the Nutrition and Health Properties of Organic Acids in Foods

Organic acids could improve the food flavor, maintain the nutritional value, and extend the shelf life of food. This review summarizes the detection methods and concentrations of organic acids in different foods, as well as their taste characteristics and nutritional properties. The composition of organic acids varies in different food. Fruits and vegetables often contain citric acid, creatine is a unique organic acid found in meat, fermented foods have a high content of acetic acid, and seasonings have a wide range of organic acids. Determination of the organic acid contents among different food matrices allows us to monitor the sensory properties, origin identification, and quality control of foods, and further provides a basis for food formulation design. The taste characteristics and the acid taste perception mechanisms of organic acids have made some progress, and binary taste interaction is the key method to decode multiple taste perception. Real food and solution models elucidated that the organic acid has an asymmetric interaction effect on the other four basic taste attributes. In addition, in terms of nutrition and health, organic acids can provide energy and metabolism regulation to protect the human immune and myocardial systems. Moreover, it also exhibited bacterial inhibition by disrupting the internal balance of bacteria and inhibiting enzyme activity. It is of great significance to clarify the synergistic dose-effect relationship between organic acids and other taste sensations and further promote the application of organic acids in food salt reduction.