The demand for natural Vanilla has increased rapidly,
creating
the need for more potential sources of high-quality Vanilla essence.
Understanding the geographical influences on the aroma profile of
Vanilla is essential. This study demonstrates the first comparative
analysis of odorant compositions in the three most important Vanilla
varieties: Vanilla planifolia, Vanilla pompona, and Vanilla tahitensis from different origins. Following the screening for odor-active
molecules through gas chromatography-olfactometry and aroma extract
dilution analysis (GC-O and AEDA), selected compounds were quantified
using stable isotope dilution assays (SIDA) and their dose over threshold
values (DoTs) were calculated. Vanillin was confirmed as the most
important odor-active compound due to its highest DoT value, especially
in the V. planifolia sample. Meanwhile,
4-methoxybenzyl alcohol and 4-methoxybenzaldehyde showed higher DoT
factors than vanillin in V. pompona and partially in V. tahitensis samples.
This indicates their role as discriminative odorants for these varieties.
The heightened DoT values of 3-hydroxy-4,5-dimethyl-2(5H)-furanone in Uganda Vanilla samples unveil geographical influences
on the odorant profile within V. planifolia species. Additionally, 2-methyl-3-(methyldithio)furan was identified
for the first time in Vanilla samples with diverse DoT values from
different species and origins.