Effects of phytase/ethanol treatment on aroma characteristics of rapeseed protein isolates

This study investigates enhancing the flavor of rapeseed protein isolate (RPI), a protein-rich substance with an unfavorable taste, through phytase/ethanol treatment. Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC-TOF-MS) analysis identified 268 volatile compounds in RPI. The study found that this treatment significantly altered the content of these compounds, reducing sourness and enhancing sweetness and fruitiness. The analysis also showed that the treatment notably increased the relative odor activity values (ROAVs) of key aroma compounds, improving RPI's flavor. Sensory evaluation confirmed the positive impact of the treatment, indicating its potential to make RPI a more acceptable ingredient in the food industry.