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Updated: Oct 19, 2026

Tea Aroma Analysis Based on Solvent-Assisted Flavor Evaporation Enrichment
Published on: May 26, 2023
Evolution of aroma profiles and key aroma compounds associated with pleasantness in Baihao Yinzhen during aging
Weiwei Wu1, Yanming Tuo2, Chenxi Gao3
1College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Tea Research Institute Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Key Laboratory for Tea Plant Germplasm Innovation and Resource Utilization, 9 South Meiling Road, Hangzhou, 310008, China; Fuding Xiyang Tea Industry Co., Ltd, Fuding, 355200, China.
Abstract:
This study investigates aroma evolution and pleasantness changes in Baihao Yinzhen (YZ) white tea during aging. Using sensory evaluation, GC-MS analysis, aroma reconstitution and omission experiments, and molecular simulations, this study found that fresh aroma decreased during aging, whereas aged and cocoa aromas intensified. Pleasantness was strongly correlated with fresh aroma (r = 0.83), peaking in the unaged control sample (YZ0) and declining to a minimum in the 6-year-aged sample (YZ6). Phenylethyl alcohol, phenylacetaldehyde, and citral were identified as potential aroma compounds associated with pleasantness, with phenylethyl alcohol showing the strongest contribution. Molecular simulations suggested that these compounds may interact with the ADORA2A receptor, with a predicted binding free energy of -77.73 kcal/mol, and that PHE168 may contribute to complex stability. These findings provide valuable insights into the relationship between aroma evolution and pleasantness and offer a reference for white tea quality evaluation, storage optimization, and product development.
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