Evaluation of Aroma Characteristics of Dried Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) Prepared by Five Different Procedures

Aroma composition and sensory correlation in Jiaodong shrimp paste: A comparative analysis of solid, liquid, and oil phases

The aroma characteristics of Jiaodong Shrimp Sauce (JDSP) are closely linked to its components, and understanding the aroma attributes of each component is crucial for the development of shrimp sauce condiments. In this study, we analyzed the characteristic aroma of each JDSP component using electronic nose, headspace gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry/mass spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS/MS), and sensory correlation analysis. A total of 76 and 82 aroma substances were detected, respectively. The results showed that the solid fraction (SED-SP) of JDSP reduced furans, aldehydes, and esters, with key aroma substances like dimethyl trisulfide correlating to the fishy odor of shrimp paste. The mixed fraction (SUP-SP) retained most of the aldehydes and pyrazines, with key aroma substances such as ethyl isovalerate, trimethyl-pyrazine, and 2,5-dimethylpyrazine related to meaty and roasted aromas. The upper oily component (OIL-SP), separated from the liquid fraction, mainly contained nitrogenous compounds, including pyrazines and aldehydes, with 3-methylthiopropanol and trimethylamine contributing to meaty and fatty aromas. The liquid component (SAU-SP), composed of thiols, aldehydes, and pyrazines, reduced the fishy odor caused by alcohol in shrimp paste while enhancing the meaty characteristics. Additionally, the liquid fraction significantly enhanced the sensory attributes of meaty, roasted, and shrimp aromas. This study provides a scientific basis for expanding the use of JDSP in flavoring applications and for regulating its flavor quality.

Shrimp lipids improve flavor by regulating characteristic aroma compounds in hot air-dried shrimp

Hot air-dried shrimp (HDS) has a strong fishy smell greatly reducing its flavor quality. This study aimed to investigate the regulation of total lipids, phospholipids and triglycerides isolated from shrimp for improving the characteristic volatile flavor of HDS. It was found that three lipids could promote the formation of aroma compounds with pleasant characteristic aromas (e.g., pyrazines). Phospholipids and triglycerides inhibited the formation of trimethylamine, a key component of fishy smell, with phospholipids exhibiting the best inhibitory effect (47.70 ± 2.63 %), greatly improving the flavor quality of HDS. Aldehydes, unsaturated ketones, and furans, primarily derived from the thermal degradation of C18:1, C18:2, and C22:6, were key intermediate compounds promoting the Maillard reaction. Lipids inhibited trimethylamine by prompting the formation of pyrazines. Maillard reaction was the key pathway for lipids to improve the flavor quality of HDS. This study can provide theoretical support for the development of high-quality thermally processed shrimp products.

Effects of sterilization intensity on the flavor profile of canned Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba): Moderate vs. excessive

Selecting the appropriate sterilization intensity is crucial for the canning of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba). This study investigated the effects of different sterilization intensities on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of canned krill. Using gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which identified 45 and 36 VOCs, respectively. As the sterilization intensity was increased, the flavor profile became more stabilized; however, excessive sterilization led to the generation of off-flavor compounds. Eight key flavor markers were identified at different sterilization intensities. Cluster analysis could distinguish between samples obtained from low (F = 6, 9) and high (F = 12, 15) sterilization intensities. Odor Activity Value (OAV) analysis revealed that higher sterilization intensities led to the generation of fishy, fatty, and earthy notes. The findings suggest that sterilization at F = 9 can best maintain the desired flavor characteristics. Overall, this work provides valuable insights into the optimization of the canning process of Antarctic krill.

Dynamic Changes in Microbiome and Metabolome during Sun-Drying of Oysters (Crassostrea gigas), a Traditional Procedure in South China

Sun-drying constitutes a traditional method employed in the preparation of dried oysters within the coastal regions of South China. However, its ramifications on nutritional attributes and the genesis of flavor-contributory compounds in the resultant dried oysters remain significantly unexplored. This research endeavors to scrutinize the repercussions of the production process on the microbiota and metabolites within dried oysters. Utilizing 16s rRNA amplicon sequencing, the identification of 409 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) ensued, wherein Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Tenericutes, and Actinobacteria surfaced as the primary pathogenic bacteria present in oyster samples. Analysis of the dried oyster sample metabolomes via LC-MS unveiled a discernible augmentation in compounds associated with steroid hormone biosynthesis, arachidonic acid metabolism, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, and linoleic acid metabolism throughout the entirety of the drying process. Subsequent exploration into the association between metabolites and bacterial communities highlighted the prevailing coexistence of Mycoplasma, Psychrilyobacter, and Vibrio demonstrating negative correlations with a substantial number of metabolites across categories including organic acid and its derivatives, nucleotide and its metabolites, free fatty acids, and amino acids. Conversely, Shewanella and Arcobacter exhibited positive correlations with these metabolite categories. This exhaustive investigation offers invaluable insights into the dynamic alterations within the microbiota and metabolites of dried oysters across diverse drying periods. These findings are anticipated to significantly contribute to the advancement of production techniques and the formulation of enhanced safety measures for the processing of dried oysters.

Metagenomic and metabolomic profiling of dried shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) prepared by a procedure traditional to the south China coastal area

Sun-drying is a traditional process for preparing dried shrimp in coastal area of South China, but its impacts on nutrition and the formation of flavor-contributory substances in dried shrimp remain largely unknown. This study aimed to examine the effects of the production process on the microbiota and metabolites in dried shrimp. 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing was employed to identify 170 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), with Vibrio, Photobacterium, and Shewanella emerging as the primary pathogenic bacteria in shrimp samples. Lactococcus lactis was identified as the principal potential beneficial microorganism to accrue during the dried shrimp production process and found to contribute significantly to the development of desirable shrimp flavors. LC-MS-based analyses of dried shrimp sample metabolomes revealed a notable increase in compounds associated with unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, arachidonic acid metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis, and flavonoid and flavanol biosynthesis throughout the drying process. Subsequent exploration of the relationship between metabolites and bacterial communities highlighted the predominant coexistence of Bifidobacterium, Clostridium, and Photobacterium contributing heterocyclic compounds and metabolites of organic acids and their derivatives. Conversely, Arthrobacter and Staphylococcus were found to inhibit each other, primarily in the presence of heterocyclic compounds. This comprehensive investigation provides valuable insights into the dynamic changes in the microbiota and metabolites of dried shrimps spanning different drying periods, which we expect to contribute to enhancing production techniques and safety measures for dried shrimp processing.

Comparative Analysis of Texture Characteristics, Sensory Properties, and Volatile Components in Four Types of Marinated Tofu

In this study, three different brands of commercially available marinated tofu were analyzed and compared with homemade products to explore the effect of key flavor substances on their sensory quality, sensory properties, texture characteristics, and volatile components. The texture characteristics and flavor substances of the three brands of commercially available marinated tofu were significantly different from those of homemade products. A total of 64 volatile components were identified by headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS), mainly including 11 hydrocarbons, 11 alcohols, 10 ketones, 15 aldehydes, 4 esters, 1 acid, and 12 other volatile substances. Among these, nine key flavor compounds (ROAV > 1, VIP > 1) were identified using the relative odor activity value (ROAV) combined with a partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and variable importance in projection, including α-Pinene, β-Myrcene, α-Phellandrene, 1-Penten-3-one, Butanal, 3-Methyl butanal, acetic acid ethyl ester, 1,8-Cineol, and 2-Pentyl furan. The correlation heatmap showed that sensory evaluation was positively correlated with hardness, gumminess, chewiness, and springiness while negatively correlated with 2-Pentyl furan, α-Pinene, resilience, α-Phellandrene, 1-Penten-3-one, acetic acid ethyl ester, and 1,8-Cineol. Overall, this study provides a theoretical reference for developing new instant marinated tofu snacks.

Mechanisms of cooking methods on flavor formation of Tibetan pork

To obtain flavor-enriched Tibetan pork products, the impact of oxidation degree on the flavor of Tibetan pork with different cooking methods (microwaving, frying, boiling, and air frying) was evaluated using an E-nose, an E-tongue, GC-MS, and LC-MS. The level of oxidation was lower in M and F and higher in B and AF groups. Hexanal, pentanal, benzaldehyde, 1-octen-3-ol, and 3-hydroxy-2-butanone were identified as significant contributors to cooked samples. The volatile abundance of microwaved, fried, boiled, and air-fried pork was 1.61, 1.22, 1.47, and 1.69 times higher than raw, respectively. Leucine and threonine were detected to be the highest in the AF group, which were 1.30 and 3.60 times greater than RAW, respectively. In summary, oxidation of lipids and proteins caused by cooking treatments was the main source of flavor in cooked Tibetan pork. Air-frying treatment could greatly promote the production of flavor compounds and give unique flavor to Tibetan pork.

Flavor profile and role of macromolecules in the flavor generation of shrimp meat and valorization of shrimp by-products as a source of flavor compounds: a review

Shrimps are a widely cultivated species among crustaceans worldwide due to their nutritional profile and delicacy. Because of their unique flavor, shrimp-based food products are gaining consumer demand, so there is a need to understand the flavor chemistry of shrimp meat. Further, the processing and macromolecules of shrimp meat play a significant role in flavor generation and suggest a focus on their research. However, shrimp processing generates a large amount of solid and liquid waste, creating disposal problems and environmental hazards. To overcome this, utilizing these waste products, a rich source of valuable flavor compounds is necessary. This review comprehensively discusses the nutritional aspects, flavor profile, and role of macromolecules in the flavor generation of shrimp meat. Besides, recent trends in analyzing the aroma profile of shrimp and the benefits of shrimp by-products as a source of flavor compounds have been addressed. The delicious flavor of shrimp meat is due to its volatile and nonvolatile flavor compounds. Proteins play a major role in the textural and flavor adsorption properties of shrimp meat-based products. Green extraction technologies, especially ultrasonication, are recommended for valorizing shrimp by-products as a source of flavor compounds, which have enormous applications in the food and flavor industries.

Species Differentiation and Quality Evaluation for Atractylodes Medicinal Plants by GC/MS Coupled with Chemometric Analysis

The utilization of rhizomes from the genus Atractylodes has been challenging due to their closely related origins. In this study, we developed an analytical strategy to differentiate Atractylodes lancea (A. lancea), Atractylodes chinensis (A. chinensis), Atractylodes japonica (A. japonica), and Atractylodes macrocephala (A. macrocephala), and compared their volatile compositions. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to analyze the volatile profiles of essential oils extracted from 59 batches of samples. Chemometric methods enabled a better understanding of the differences in volatile oils between the four species and identified significant components affecting their classification and quality. A total of 50 volatile components were identified from the essential oils by GC/MS. Unsupervised and supervised chemometric analyses accurately distinguished A. lancea, A. chinensis, A. japonica, and A. macrocephala. Furthermore, five characteristic chemical markers, namely hinesol, β-eudesmol, atractylon, atractylodin and atractylenolide I, were obtained, and their respective percentage contents in individual species and samples were determined. This study provides a valuable reference for the quality evaluation of medicinal plants with essential oils and holds significance for species differentiation and the rational clinical application of Atractylodes herbs.

Effect of Drying Process on the Formation of the Characteristic Flavor of Oyster (Crassostrea hongkongensis)

Oysters are nutritious and tasty but difficult to store. Drying can extend the storage period of oysters and give them a unique flavor. In this study, the effects of four drying procedures, namely, vacuum freeze drying (VFD), vacuum drying (VD), natural sun-drying (NSD), and hot air drying (HAD), on the flavor characteristics of oysters (Crassostrea hongkongensis) were investigated using blanched oysters as a control (CK). Results showed that HAD produced more free amino acids than the other methods, but VFD retained the most flavor nucleotides. Compared with cold drying (VFD), hot drying (VD, NSD, and HAD) increased the abundance of organic acids, betaine, and aroma substances. Glutamic acid, alanine, AMP, hexanal, octanal, heptanal, (E, E)-2,4-heptadienal, (E)-2-decenal, nonanal, etc., are defined as the characteristic flavor compounds of dried oysters, with umami, sweet, green, fatty, and fruity aromas being the main organoleptic attributes of dried oysters. Glutamic acid, glycine, betaine, IMP, pentanal, ethyl heptanoate, (E, Z)-2,4-nonadienal, 1-octen-3-one, 2-hexenal, 2-octenal, hexanal, decanal were defined as markers to distinguish different drying methods. Overall, HAD showed improved flavor qualities and characteristics and was better suited for the highly commercialized production of dried oysters.