Investigating the Impact of Different Drying Methods on the Aroma of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Using GC–MS/GC–IMS and E-Nose Technology
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Drying and storage conditions play a critical role in shaping the quality of aged citrus peel. This study investigated the effects of different processing strategies on the volatile composition, microstructure, and sensory characteristics of five-year-aged Citrus Reticulata 'Chachi' Peel (CRP). Four treatments were evaluated using SPME/GC-MS, GC-IMS, electronic nose analysis, sensory assessment, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and multivariate statistical tools. GC-IMS identified 96 volatile compounds, demonstrating that aging combined with varied drying-storage conditions promoted the formation of diverse aroma-active substances. Terpenes and related compounds predominated, with the indoor-dried and warehouse-stored XH sample showing significantly higher concentrations of key terpenoids and sesquiterpenes, including α-terpineol, γ-muurolene, germacrene, β-selinenol, α-farnesene, and nerolidol. These compounds contributed to enhanced citrus, floral, fruity, and woody notes. Principal component analysis of electronic nose data (93.46% cumulative variance) clearly distinguished XH from other samples. Sensory results supported instrumental findings, indicating stronger fruity and sweet attributes in XH and C, while sun-dried samples exhibited more hay-like characteristics. SEM revealed better structural integrity in indoor-dried samples, potentially facilitating volatile retention. Overall, indoor drying and controlled storage improved aroma complexity and sensory quality, providing a scientific basis for optimized CRP processing.
Source: Foods
Authors: Aygul Alim, Chengfei Huang, Xin Zhao, Saren Gaowa, Runrong Zhang, Junrong Zhang, Xueqing Zhang, Yuanbao Jin, Wenzhong Hu
Institution: Zhuhai College of Science and Technology
Language: English
Topic: Food Drying and Modeling
Subfield: Food Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,499
OpenAlex ID: W7140189098