Volatile Aroma Components of Korean Semi-fermented Teas

This study was carried out to characterize aroma of semi-fermented teas made traditionally in Korea temple. These teas had favorable floral aroma. The extraction of aroma compounds was accomplished by a simultaneous distillation and extraction method using a Likens and Nickerson's extraction apparatus. The concentrated extract was analyzed and identified by GC and GC-MSD. The main aroma components of these teas were 3-methylbutanal, 2-methylbutanal, (E)-2-hexenal, phenylacetaldehyde, 2-phenyl ethanol, geraniol, and nerolidol. Particularly, the concentration of phenylacetaldehyde was much higher concentration in semi-fermented teas than in green tea prepared from same place. The GC patterns of the aroma components in the semi-fermented teas were slightly different, though they were prepared in same place.