Sensory evaluation, physicochemical properties and aroma-active profiles in a diverse collection of Chinese bayberry (Myrica rubra) cultivars

•The combination of physicochemical properties with aroma profiles in bayberry was applied.•The study focused on identifying the key aroma compounds of 11 bayberry cultivars using GC–MS–O.•The similarities and differences in the aroma of 11 bayberry fruits were studied by PCA.

The present study aimed to differentiate the flavor (taste and odor) profiles of 11 Chinese bayberry cultivars (Myrica rubra). The physicochemical analysis for taste indicated the bayberry cultivars were quite different in soluble sugars, organic acids, color, total phenolics and anthocyanin contents. Sucrose was the main soluble sugar in bayberry fruit. Principal component analysis (PCA) of physicochemical properties indicated bayberries could be divided into 5 groups, and the Bi qi cultivar contained the highest brix/acid ratio demonstrating the sweetest taste. PCA of aroma-active profile for odor (analyzed by SPME–GC–MS–O) indicated bayberries could be divided into 3 groups: α-pinene (“pine” odor) for group 1 (four cultivars), β-caryophyllene and isocaryophyllene (“woody” odor) for group 2 (six cultivars), and ethyl acetate (“overripe” odor) for group 3 (one cultivar). Our research on the physicochemical and active-aroma of 11 bayberry cultivars will help to select suitable cultivars to increase consumer satisfaction.