GC–MS based metabolite profiling for flavor characterization of Brassica crops grown with different fertilizer application

In this study, to determine the sensory quality of mizuna (Brassica rapa L. var. Nipposinica), one of a Brassica leafy crops grown with different fertilizer application, GC–MS based hydrophilic metabolites and volatiles as well as sensory attributes were measured. Clusters of applied fertilizer condition were significantly divided between with or without manure amendments within all the variances including sensory and metabolite data. Projection to latent structures regression analyzes revealed that l-glutamine, l-asparagine, and other amino acids negatively correlated with bitterness, whereas raffinose, maltose, and malic acid positively correlated with bitterness. Furthermore glucosinolate breakdown products, particularly allyl isothiocyanate revealed a strong positive correlation with Brassica specific wasabi-like sharpness. Based on the comprehensive view of both metabolite and sensory profiling, the perspective for improvement in sensory quality is discussed.

Source: Metabolomics - December 31, 2015 Category: Biology Source Type: research