Aroma-Forming Components of Ciders Produced from Different Apple Varieties

Introduction: The aroma of drinks obtained by alcoholic fermentation is determined by the presence of aroma-forming components,  the presence of which contributes to the appearance of certain tones and hints of aroma. In some countries, individual aroma-forming components are used to determine the varietal and geographical origin of drinks. The influence of apple varieties growing in the Krasnodar region on the aroma profile of cider has not been studied.

Materials and Methods: The aroma profile of 30 ciders was studied, including those prepared in the laboratory from apples of Russian and foreign selection. The volatile components of the samples were studied using gas chromatography. The organoleptic characteristics of the ciders were assessed by the tasting commission of the Scientific Center «Winemaking» at the North Caucasian Federal Scientific Center of Horticulture, Viticulture, Winemaking in terms of appearance, color, aroma and taste.

Results: The composition of the aroma-forming components of ciders is represented by volatile acids, higher alcohols, esters, aldehydes, as well as acetals, glycols, methanol and glycerol. Variation ranges for the main groups of aroma-forming components in ciders produced from various apple varieties, as well as production samples, including those made from reconstituted apple juice, have been established. For all groups of volatile compounds studied, varietal ciders prepared in laboratory conditions had higher concentrations of aromatic components and glycerol than production samples.

Conclusion: The varietal characteristics of apple fruits had a significant impact on the composition of aromatic substances and subsequently on the organoleptic characteristics of apple cider. The apple varieties of different genetic and ecological-geographical origin (Bagryanets Kubani, Prikubanskoe, Renet Platona, Persikovoe, Orfey, Margo, Florina, Enterprise, Amulet) were identified. They are considered as promising for cider production in Krasnodar Krai.

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