Comparison of Volatile Flavor Compounds in Commercial Black Onion Extracts

Volatile flavor compounds of 3 commercial products of black onion extract (produced in Changnyeong, Muan and Jeungpyeong) purchased in the online/offline markets were analyzed. A total of 51 compounds were detected in samples by solid phase microextraction (SPME)/GC/MSD, consisting mainly of carbonyl compounds (15), sulfur-containing compounds (8), aromatic compounds (6), furans (6), nitrogen-containing compounds (3), alcohols (2), acids (2) and miscellaneous compounds (10). Among carbonyls, 4 compounds including 2-methylbutanal, 3-methylbutanal, nonanal and benzaldehyde were detected in all samples, while two sulfur containing compounds, dimethyl disulfide and dimethyl trisulfide, were detected in high amounts and considered to be key flavors in black onion extracts. Particularly, thiophenes and 3 sulfur containing compounds (methylpropyl disulfide, methyl-(Z)-propenyl disulfide and methyl-(E)-propenyl disulfide) were detected only in two products. With acetic acid, furfural and pyrazines that formed through Maillard reaction during black onion aging were detected in high amounts in all samples. This also contributed to characteristic flavors such as roasted, sweet, and sour, in the flavor of black onion extracts.