Aroma extract dilution analysis of Cv. Marion (Rubus spp. hyb) and Cv. Evergreen (R. laciniatus L.) blackberries

J Agric Food Chem. 2003 May 21;51(11):3436-41. doi: 10.1021/jf0262209.

Abstract

Cultivar Marion and Evergreen blackberry aromas were analyzed by aroma extract dilution analysis. Sixty-three aromas were identified (some tentatively) by mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-retention time; 48 were common to both cultivars, and 27 have not been previously reported in blackberry fruit. A comparison of cultivars shows that both have comparable compound types and numbers but with widely differing aroma impacts, as measured by flavor dilution (FD) factors. Ethyl 2-methylbutanoate, ethyl 2-methylpropanoate, hexanal, furanones (2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3-(2H)-furanone, 2-ethyl-4-hydroxy-5-methyl-3-(2H)-furanone, 4-hydroxy-5-methyl-3-(2H)-furanone, 4,5-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-2-(5H)-furanone, and 5-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-(5H)-furanone), and sulfur compounds (thiophene, dimethyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, dimethyl trisulfide, 2-methylthiophene, and methional) were prominent in Evergreen (FD 512-2048). Except for ethyl 2-methylpropanoate, these same compounds were also prominent in Marion, but the FD factors varied significantly (FD 8-256) from Evergreen. The aroma profile of blackberry is complex, as no single volatile was unanimously described as characteristically blackberry.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Chromatography, Gas
  • Fruit / chemistry*
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
  • Odorants / analysis*
  • Rosaceae / chemistry*
  • Smell
  • Species Specificity
  • Volatilization