Aroma Profiling and Sensory Association of Six Raspberry Cultivars Using HS-SPME/GC-MS and OPLS-HDA

TL;DR

This study compares the aroma and sensory qualities of six raspberry varieties using chemical analysis and statistical methods to understand consumer preferences.

Contribution

The study introduces the use of OPLS-HDA for linking aroma components to sensory evaluation in raspberries.

Findings

Tula Magic scored highest in sensory evaluation among six raspberry cultivars.

2-Heptanol, heptanal, and 2-methyl-6-hepten-1-ol were key aroma components distinguishing Tula Magic.

A balance of aroma components is crucial for overall sensory appeal.

Abstract

In this study, six club raspberry varieties were examined for their aromatic profiles and sensory qualities, and statistical approaches were used to determine how aroma components affect consumer impressions. Analysis of the aroma’s chemical composition was performed utilizing headspace SPME and GC-MS. MS-DIAL -v5.5.250627 software was used to identify components from commercial libraries, after 10 repetitions for each variety, followed by manual verification. A sensory evaluation of fresh fruits, with 55 volunteers, was statistically analyzed and linked to chemical composition using multivariate analysis and the OPLS-HDA classification method, which was employed for the first time. Tula Magic was scored the highest in the sensory evaluation compared to Adelita, Himbo Top, Glen Dee, San Rafael, and Cascade Harvest. 2-Heptanol (fresh, lemongrass-like, herbal, floral, fruity, green), heptanal (fresh, aldehydic, fatty, green, herbal), and 2-methyl-6-hepten-1-ol (oily-green, herbaceous-citrusy) separated Tula Magic from the other varieties assessed. The same components were recognized in OPLS as positive contributors to the flavor score, while terpenoids like trans-β-ionone, α-ionone, and α,β-dihydro-β-ionone, as well as 2-heptanone, scored slightly lower. This suggests that a fine balance between the individual components is key to the overall aroma sensation.

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