Identification of volatile and odor-active compounds in Maojian herbal tea (Dracocephalum rupestre Hance)

Maojian herbal tea originates from Xinzhou, Shanxi, China, and is renowned as one of the prominent northern Chinese herbal teas. However, the volatile and key odor-active compounds in Maojian herbal tea have not been reported. Using headspace-solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, a total of 87 volatile compounds were identified. Thirteen aroma compounds were distinguished as the key odor-active compounds of Maojian herbal tea based on gas chromatography–olfactometry analysis, and odor activity values, including trans-β-ionone, cis-jasmone, β-caryophyllene, humulene, hexanal, nonanal, linalool, alloocimene B, β-cyclocitral, β-bourbonene, ylangene, δ-cadinene and indole. The results of partial least squares regression analysis demonstrate strong correlations between the odor-active compounds and odor properties. β-Caryophyllene is the main contributor to the woody aroma of Maojian herbal tea. The results of the present study offer a scientific insight into the aroma profile of Maojian herbal tea.