Volatile compounds from six species of truffle – head-space analysis and vapor analysis at high mass resolution

Head-space analysis at high mass resolution has been carried out of volatile compounds emanating from each of six species of truffle so as to identify those compounds that reveal to dogs, pigs, and flies (genus Suillia) the truffle's subterranean habitat. The six species of truffle examined were T. aestivum, T. brumale, T. melanosporum, T. miesentericum, T. rufum, and T. simonea. The truffle species were obtained from Ayme Truffe of Grignan, 26230 France. Of the 36 volatile compounds identified, 15 of these compounds were observed from all 6 species. The 7 alcohols identified formed a homologous series over the molecular weight range MW = 46–88, while a second homologous series over the molecular weight range MW = 74–144 was formed by the 16 esters identified. It is proposed that variation of the incidence of esters can provide a method for differentiating between the six truffle species examined. Dimethyl sulfide was identified from all species except T. brumale.