Flavor characterization of ripened cod roe by gas chromatography, sensory analysis, and electronic nose.

Characterization of the flavors of ripened roe products is of importance to establish a basis for a standardized product. Flavor profiles of commercially processed ripened roe from Iceland and Norway were studied by sensory analysis, gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and an electronic nose to characterize the headspace of ripened roe. Sensory analysis showed that ripened roe odor and flavor in combination with caviar flavor and whey/caramel-like odor give the overall positive effect of the complex characteristic roe flavor. Analysis of volatiles by GC-MS and electronic nose confirmed the presence of aroma compounds contributing to the typical ripening and spoilage flavors detected by the sensory analysis. Methional, 1-octen-3-ol, and 2,6-nonadienal were the most important compounds contributing to ripened roe odor. Spoilage flavors were partly contributed by 3-methyl-1-butanol and 3-methylbutanal, which can be measured by the electronic nose and are suggested as quality indicators for objectively assessing the ripening of roe. Principal component analysis of the overall data showed that GC-O correlated well with sensory evaluation and the electronic nose measurements.