Effect of solvent extraction on the key aroma components of Tamarindus indica L. pulp

The volatile organic components (VOCs) of Tamarindus indica L. (TIL) pulp and the extraction of TIL were analyzed by headspace solid-phase microextraction with gas chromatographymass spectrometry (HS-SPME–GCMS) to characterize key odorants and investigate their changes during solvent extraction (SE). A total of 109 VOCs were identified in TIL pulp. Twenty-two odorants were determined to be key odorants, and 12 differential aroma components were identified using the relative odor activity value (ROAV) method and multivariate statistical analysis. Among these, phenylacetaldehyde, nonanal and phenethyl alcohol were the common key aroma components of four TIL pulps. In addition, the effect of SE on the aroma composition of TIL was analyzed according to changes in the glucose and fructose contents of TIL pulp combined with sensory evaluation. The results showed that SE affected the aroma of TIL pulp, among which the contents of ethyl palmitate, diethyl succinate, 1-tetradecene, 1-hexadecene, heptadecane, ethyl phenylacetate, and ethyl oleate showed significant differences before and after extraction. The present research refines the existing aroma composition system of TIL and provides a reference for further development and utilization of TIL.