Wensong Chen,Wangxin Liu,Zhibin Liu,Daoliang Wang,Xiaoye Lan,Sijia Zhan,Xiaoxiao Feng,Yuan Liu,Li Ni
Wuyi Rock Tea (WRT) undergoes complex chemical transformations during roasting that significantly influence its aroma. This study explores the mechanisms involved in the formation of key aroma compounds, specifically alkylpyrazines and furans. Using HS-SPME-GC-O-MS and aroma dilution analysis, we identified 15 odor-active compounds, including three alkylpyrazines (2,6-diethyl-pyrazine, 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethyl-pyrazine, and 2-methyl-3,5-diethyl-pyrazine) and two furans (furfural and 5-methyl-2-furancarboxaldehyde), with odor-active values exceeding 1. An “in-leaf” labeling approach utilizing isotopically labeled alanine ([ 15 N]-Ala) and glucose ([U 13 C 6 ]-Glc) was employed to explore the contributions of tea leaf matrix and soluble compounds. Results indicated that the incorporation of two nitrogen atoms from alanine was the predominant pathway for alkylpyrazine formation, while five or six carbon atoms from glucose were primarily responsible for furan formation. Additionally, the insoluble tea leaf matrix contributed 13 % to 32 % of alkylpyrazines and 12 % to 25 % of furans. These findings enhance our understanding of the Maillard reaction's role in WRT's flavor development.
Vinylpyrazine compounds are widely present in foods , especially in hot-processed foods, as a class of flavor compounds ; however, their formation mechanism in food systems is still unclear. Therefore, in this study, 2-vinylpyrazine and 2-vinyl-6-methylpyrazine were identified in the Maillard model reaction of d -glucose and glycine. The Maillard model reaction of glucose–glycine was constructed to explore the effects of reaction parameters on vinylpyrazines and the related products. The Maillard reaction of [U- 13 C 6 ] glucose and glycine was established, and alkylpyrazines and formaldehyde were determined via isotope tracing technique as the precursors of vinylpyrazines. The formation of vinylpyrazines was verified by building a model reaction between alkylpyrazines and formaldehyde. The H/D exchange experiment confirmed that the active site of alkylpyrazines was on the methyl group , which was the reaction site for the condensation reaction of alkylpyrazines with formaldehyde. Results suggest that vinylpyrazines are formed by the condensation reaction of alkylpyrazines and formaldehyde.