Volatile organic compounds in the aril juices and seeds from selected five pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivars

A study was conducted to investigate the distribution of volatile organic compounds in the juice and seed of the most popular five pomegranate cultivars (“Ek?i,” “Devedi?i,” “Hicaz,” “Kat?rba??,” and “Keben”) in Turkey. The volatile organic compounds were analyzed using solid phase micro-extraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. A total of 60 volatile organic compounds, belonging to six chemical groups including aldehydes, alcohols, esters, terpenes, ketones, acids, and phenol were identified. There were 11 volatile organic compounds (1-hexanol, [Z]-3-hexen-1-ol, 1-octanol, α-terpineol, β-myrcene, limonene, [E]-α-bergamotene, β-caryophyllene, hexanal, [E]-2-hexenal, and guaiacol) common to all five pomegranate juices and seeds. Hexalin, phenylacetaldehyde, 3-methyl butanal, and methyl-(1-methylethenyl) benzene were found in seeds only. According to discriminant analysis based on Eigenvalues, volatile organic compounds recovered in the juices could be used to discriminate and classify the pomegranate cultivars. “Devedi?i” and “Hicaz” were the most promising cultivars with respect to the largest volatile organic compounds, high total soluble solid and deep red color.