Investigating the factors that influence the aroma profile of Apium graveolens: A review

Abstract

Celery (Apium graveolens) is a regularly consumed vegetable, providing strong, distinct flavours to dishes as well as health benefits. Constituents of the aroma profile of celery include a range of volatile compounds (terpenes, phthalides and aldehydes) that contribute to its characteristic odour and flavour. Vast amount of research has been completed on the aroma profile of celery. However, there is limited information stating the cultivar, origin and geographical location, despite that research on a plethora of other crops has indicated that these are key factors driving crop performance and quality attributes. This paper characterises the underlying biochemistry that determines the aroma profile of celery, whilst investigating the genetic and environmental influences leading to its variation. We make recommendations for minimum standards (MIAPAE: Minimum Information About a Plant Aroma Experiment) that should be adopted by the scientific community prior to publication of data relating to flavour and aroma characterisation of crops.

Keywords: Aroma; Celery; MIAPAE; Phthalides; Terpenes; Volatile compounds.