Volatile profiles of European blueberry: few major players, but complex aroma patterns

As part of a project on cultivation and industrial exploitation of European Blueberry ( Vaccinium myrtillus ) started in 2008, berries from different wild popu lations from South, Mid and North Norway were investigated. One aspect of fruit quali ty analyses was to identify and describe blueberry aroma profiles. Volatiles were extracted by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HSSPME) and analysed by gas chromatography/ mass spec trom try (GC/MS). A total of 132 potential aroma volatiles could be detected, of which 99 stru ctures were identified based on MS database search and retention indices, also comprising aroma impact compounds not being described in blueberries earlier. Detected aliphatic and aromati c s ructures belonged to different chemical groups such as alkanes, acids, alcohols, aldehydes, esters, ketones and monoand sesquiterpenes. Ten major compounds (mostly C 4-, C6and C9-structures) accounted for averagely 65–75 % relative amount of all detected peaks. However, HSSPME analyses revealed complex volatile profiles including terpenes (23 compounds, e.g. p-cymene, 1,8-cineole, linalool) and aromatic structures (10 compounds, e.g. benzaldehyde, ethyl benzoate, 2-phenylethyl acetate, benzyl benzoate), which contribute to the characteristic a nd flavourful blueberry aroma.