Decoding flavor evolution during refining of DHA-rich Schizochytrium oil: a multidimensional framework integrating
Mingjie Li1, Guanzhong Xiang1, Hanle Yuan1
1Key Laboratory of Edible Oil Quality and Safety, State Administration for Market Regulation, Key Laboratory for Deep Processing of Major Grain and Oil of Ministry of Education in China, College of Food Science and Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China.
Abstract:
The influence of refining conditions on flavor evolution of Schizochytrium oil remained unclear. Crude oil exhibited strong fishy and sour odors, with 3-octen-2-one and 5-ethyl-2(5H)-furanone as key off-flavor contributors. Degumming and deacidification marginally improved these odors, while decolorization paradoxically intensified fishiness by selective removal of masking compounds. Deodorization was critical: 170 °C had limited effects; optimal performance at 190 °C/30 min largely eliminated off-flavors and allowed a mild pleasant aroma to emerge. Under this condition, eight volatile metabolites were significantly reduced, serving as a practical biomarker panel. Notably, non-key odorants with rOAV < 1 also contributed to flavor via matrix effects. In contrast, 210 °C induced thermal degradation, causing a rebound of aldehydes and ketones that compromised flavor quality. This reveals a biphasic mechanism: volatile removal below 190 °C versus off-flavor rebound above 210 °C, offering both mechanistic insight and practical utility for oil refining.
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