Changes in volatile compounds and overall aroma profile during storage of coffee brews at 4 and 25 degrees C

J Agric Food Chem. 2008 May 14;56(9):3145-54. doi: 10.1021/jf703731x. Epub 2008 Apr 19.

Abstract

In this work, the chemical changes occurring in the volatile fraction of Arabica coffee brews during storage at 4 and 25 degrees C for 30 days have been characterized for the first time by means of HS-GC-MS. A total of 47 compounds were identified and quantified: 2 sulfur compounds, 7 aldehydes, 3 esters, 15 furans, 5 ketones, 1 alcohol, 2 thiophenes, 4 pyrroles, 1 pyridine, 5 pyrazines, 1 alkene, and 1 acid. No new volatile compounds were detected at the end of the storage time. The changes observed are, in general, slower and less pronounced at refrigeration temperature. Storage also affects the sensory characteristics of the stored coffee brews, which lose part of their aroma intensity and freshness, acquiring some nondesirable notes such as rancid aroma, mainly during storage at 25 degrees C. Furthermore, seven aroma indices have been proposed as indicators of coffee brew staling, which show a good correlation with some sensory attributes, not only for aroma but also overall sensory quality. Consequently, they could be considered useful to monitor both the "age" and the sensory quality of stored coffee brews.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Coffee / chemistry*
  • Food Preservation / methods*
  • Humans
  • Odorants / analysis*
  • Temperature
  • Time Factors
  • Volatilization

Substances

  • Coffee