Analysis of Volatile Components in Hot Pepper Juice during Fermentation

Solid-phase micro-extraction(SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS) were adopted to separate and identify the volatile components of fermented hot pepper juice. The quantification was performed by area normalization method. The results indicated that 106 volatile components were identified including esters, acids, alcohols, olefins, alkenes, aldehydes and ketones. Totally 65, 78, 83 and 86 volatile components were identified in hot pepper juices fermented for 0, 1, 2 and 3 days, respectively. Fifty-three volatile compounds were common to the four samples. The amounts of alkenes and esters were increased as the fermentation process progressed, terpeniods were newly detected, and there was an increase in the number of volatile compounds. The 3 d fermented juice had the best flavor. Therefore, fermentation can improve the flavor of hot pepper juice, and even produce unique flavor, indicating its application potential.