Characterization of the Aroma of an Instant White Tea Dried by Freeze Drying

The aroma of an instant white tea (IWT) was extracted through simultaneous distillation–extraction (SDE) and analyzed by sensory evaluation, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-olfactometry (GC-MS-O), aroma reconstruction, omission test and synergistic interaction analysis. Sensory evaluation showed the IWT was dominated with floral and sweet notes. The SDE extract had the aroma similar to the IWT. The main volatile components in the SDE extract were benzyl alcohol, linalool, hotrienol, geraniol, α-terpineol, coumarin, camphene, benzeneacetaldehyde, 2-hexanone, cis-jasmin lactone and phenylethyl alcohol. GC-MS-O and aroma reconstruction experiments showed 16 aroma-active compounds. Linalool, trans-β-damascenone and camphene were the major contributors to floral, sweet and green notes based on flavor dilution analysis and omission test. Linalool and trans-β-damascenone had synergistic effect to promote floral and sweet notes. Camphene and trans-β-damascenone had synergistic effect to reduce green and sweet notes. The study helps to understand the aroma of IWT and antagonism interactions among aroma-active volatiles.