Mapping Aroma Distribution of Torreya grandis Tissues: A Multisensory Analytical Approach via GC–E–Nose, HS–SPME–GC–MS, and Olfactometry–MS Techniques

Torreya grandis , an economically important nut tree, exhibits significant tissue‐specific aroma profiles, yet the distribution and sensory contributions of its key aroma‐active components remain unclear. This study employed a multimodal analytical approach to systematically characterize the aromatic profiles of different T. grandis tissues. GC–electric–nose analysis revealed significant tissue clustering, with arils exhibiting the most distinct profile. Quantitative GC–MS analysis identified 80 volatiles, with terpenes as major form at 86%–98.87% of total volatiles. Subsequent quantification showed that the highest concentration was detected in arils, followed by stems, leaves, kernels, and roots. GC–olfactometry coupled with odor activity value analysis identified 17, 17, 17, 12, and 5 key aroma‐active compounds in arils, stems, leaves, roots, and kernels, respectively. Additionally, partial least squares and variable importance in the projection analysis screened six potential marker volatiles for tissue discrimination: myrtenol (significant positive correlations with earthy, bitter, woody, and pungent notes, root‐specific), α‐pinene and β‐myrcene (pine‐like and citrus notes), 1‐octen‐3‐ol (dominant green attribute), ( E )‐β‐ocimene (sweet note and stem‐specific), and D‐limonene (pine‐like, citrus, and green notes, universally present across tissues). This study deciphered the complex relationship between aroma sensory attributes and volatile components across different tissues of T. grandis , providing scientific guidance for nut quality improvement and valorization of underutilized byproducts through targeted aroma engineering.