Comprehensive profiling of volatile aroma compounds and non-volatile metabolites in five salted chili peppers using multi-omics technologies: E-nose, E-tongue, GC-IMS, GC × GC-TOF-MS, and UHPLC-MS/MS

This study aimed to decipher the flavor profiles of salted chili peppers (SCP) from five geographical origins and elucidate the molecular basis of their characteristic savory-aromatic fusion. Utilizing a multi-omics approach on samples of the same variety processed identically, we identified 75 characteristic odor-active compounds. SCP from Guizhou (SCP3) exhibited the most intense aroma, rich in esters and phenols. Umami attributes were primarily driven by amino acids, peptides, and lipids, with Shandong SCP4 showing the highest umami potential. Critically, correlation analysis revealed significant synergistic effects between key aroma compounds and umami metabolites. The findings demonstrate that geographical origin is the primary driver of flavor variation in SCP. The uncovered synergy provides molecular-level insight into the “savory-aromatic” harmony, establishing a foundation for quality control and flavor enhancement. • The umami characteristics of salted chili peppers (SCP) was prominent. • 75 characteristic OACs were identified in five distinct geographical SCPs. • The Guizhou SCP featured a high concentration of esters and phenols. • Non-targeted metabolomics reveals 49 differential metabolites in five SCPs.