Yongchuan douchi is a well-loved condiment. However, the aroma of rapid Yongchuan douchi is inferior to that of traditional Yongchuan douchi. The objective of this study was to improve the aroma quality of rapid Yongchuan douchi and evaluate the effect of aroma enhancement from the perspective of consumers. The aroma characteristics of samples were analyzed by consumers through flash profile (FP) (n = 15) and rate-all-that-apply (RATA) (n = 75). The results showed improvement in the aroma quality of rapid Yongchuan douchi with the two yeast strains, and consumers could perceive the modification of the aroma characteristics. It shows that the douchi aroma and sour aroma of rapid Yongchuan douchi increased significantly after aroma-enhancing fermentation, while the soy sauce aroma, soybean aroma, and musty aroma decreased. Similar results were obtained from FP and RATA. RATA showed that rapid Yongchuan douchi with aroma-enhancing fermentation aroused higher levels of positive emotions, which may increase the acceptance of consumers to rapid Yongchuan douchi. In summary, the aroma quality and consumer preference of rapid Yongchuan douchi were enhanced. The work provides insights into the quality improvement of rapid Yongchuan douchi from the perspective of consumers.
Keywords: FP; RATA; Yongchuan douchi; aroma enhancement; halophilic aromatic yeasts.