Volatile flavor components in watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris S.) and Oriental Melon (Cucumis melo L.)

Abstract

Volatile flavor components of watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris S.) and oriental melon (Cucumis melo L.) obtained by simultaneous steam distillation and extraction apparatus were separated by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Thirty seven and fifty five volatile flavor components were identified in watermelon and oriental melon, respectively. (Z)-3-Nonen-1-ol, (Z,Z)-3,6-nonadien-1-ol, (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal and (E)-2-nonenal containing unsaturated nine carbon atoms were the characteristic flavor components of watermelon. esters including (Z)-3-nonenyl acetate, (Z)-6-nonenyl acetate, (Z,Z)-3,6-nonadienyl acetate and thioester were important components in the flavor profile of oriental melon.