Volatile constituents of flowers in Cymbidium faberi Rolfe. during full blooming

Cymbidium faberi Rolfe. (CFR) flowers are highly appreciated by consumers for its pretty appearance and elegant aroma. However, the aroma characteristics of CFR flowers are rarely analysed. The aroma profiles of CFR flowers were investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry technology, coupled with relative odour activity value (rOAV) determination, and sensory evaluation. The CFR flowers tended to contain abundant aldehyde compounds, which accounted for 44.72% of the total amount of volatiles. And also, the sweet, fragrance, fruity, and floral flavour were the main aroma attributes in CFR flowers with higher sensory intensities. In addition, 6 aroma compounds were identified with rOAV greater than one, among which γ-nonalactone with the highest rOAV of 100 was the potential key aroma compound contributing sweet note for CFR flowers. Current study would further understand the aroma profiles of CFR flowers, providing data support for the better application in cosmetics of CFR products.