Characterization of Important Odorants from Shell Ginger Leaves, Alpinia zerumbet

Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B.L. Burtt & R.M. Smith, commonly known as shell ginger, is native to East Asia and valued as both an ornamental and culinary plant. Its leaves and rhizomes are used in herbal teas and to season foods such as rice and noodles. While important odorants in the rhizomes have been studied, those contributing to the leaves aroma remain unclear. This study identified 35 odorants in the leaves using solvent-assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE) and aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA). Sixteen odorants were quantitated via stable isotope dilution assays, and their odor activity values were calculated. Notable odorants included (S)-(+)-linalool, (R)-(-)-linalool, α-pinene, 1,8-cineole, (2E,4E)-nona-2,4-dienal, and 2-phenylacetaldehyde. Stereochemistry of selected odorants was also determined. An aroma simulation model matched well with an aqueous infusion of dried leaves. These findings offer insight into leaf aroma chemistry and support future research on Alpinia species.