Black Truffle Aroma Evaluation: SPME-GC-MS vs. Sensory Experts

Nowadays, the truffle aroma attribute is not included as a quality parameter in the current recommendation that explains the truffle quality (UNECE standard 53 FFV3) and establishes the truffle commercial categories. However, the aroma is the main reason why truffles are worldwide appreciated. Indeed, more than 30 aromatic molecules compose it, and this is the reason why the human evaluation and identification of these odorants, without previous training, is quite subjective. Analytical techniques such as gas chromatography techniques, however, can establish an aromatic profile and detect potential aromatic markers. In this study, 16 tasting experts were trained to make more objective the truffle aroma evaluation and odorants identification. For this, a comparison between solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS) and sensory expert evaluation was carried out in six sessions during different harvesting times in the black truffle season (December, January, and February). Both techniques were able to separate truffles depending on the harvesting time. Also, a list of volatile organic compounds related to the aromatic attributes was reported. This information will help to provide a more objective T. melanosporum truffle sensory evaluation.