This study analyzed the volatile profiles of 16 cold-region small-fruited apple cultivars using HS-SPME-GC–MS and multivariate statistics. A total of 140 VOCs were identified, with esters being the most abundant. Multivariate analysis revealed 34 key differential compounds, including ethyl butyrate and (E)-2-hexenal. Cultivars with superior sensory scores, such as A-8 (‘Niunaiguo’) and A-15 (‘Saiwaihong’), were characterized by high levels of characteristic esters (ethyl 2-methylbutyrate) and α-farnesene, contributing to their fruity and sweet notes. Intense fruity aromas in A-1 (‘Lingdangguo’) and A-7 (‘K9’) were linked to high concentrations of ethyl butyrate and ethyl hexanoate. This research provides a theoretical foundation for the quality evaluation and genetic breeding of distinctive cold-region apple cultivars. • First comprehensive VOCs profiling of 16 Cold-Region Small-Fruited apple varieties. • Sensory and VOCs data link sugar-acid balance and esters to consumer preference. • 34 key aroma markers identified, with fruity esters as major contributors. • A core aroma of 6 shared VOCs defined, yet significant diversity existed among varieties.
Zhang et al. (Fri,) studied this question.