Effect of Drying Methods on Aroma Profiling of Large-Leaf Green Tea (Camellia sinensis var. Assamica) Determined by HS-SPME-GC-MS

Drying methods play a crucial role in the formation of green tea aromas. This study investigated the aroma characteristics and volatile component profiles of large-leaf green tea under hot-air drying, pan-fired drying, and sun drying. The results revealed significant differences in the sensory aroma characteristics and volatile components of the large-leaf green tea among the three drying methods. The pan-fire-dried green tea (PDGT) exhibited a distinct roasted aroma, while the hot-air-dried green tea (HDGT) and sun-dried green tea (SDGT) displayed a faint scent and lasting aroma characteristics, with the SDGT additionally featuring a noticeable sun-dried odor. A total of 48 differential volatile components were identified, among which β-Ionone, (E)-β-Ionone, 2,2,6-Trimethylcyclohexanone, Dihydroactinidiolide, BenzeneacetAldehyde, 2-Pentylfuran, 1,1,6-Trimethyl-1,2-dihydronaphthalene, δ-Cadinene, β-Myrcene, Geranylacetone, o-Cymene, 6-Methyl-5-hepten-2-one, (E)-β-Ocimene, and BenzAldehyde were identified as the primary contributors to the aroma differences among the three large-leaf green teas. Additionally, 43 differential volatile compounds were found to be significantly correlated with at least one of the aroma types (floral, sweet, green, faint scent, nutty, or roasted). The findings of this study provide a theoretical foundation for understanding the formation of aroma qualities in large-leaf green tea and offer valuable insights for improving its aromatic characteristics.