title: Biochemistry of Apple Aroma: A Review.
abstract: Flavour is a key quality attribute of apples defined by volatile aroma compounds. Biosynthesis of aroma compounds involves metabolic pathways in which the main precursors are fatty and amino acids, and the main products are aldehydes, alcohols and esters. Some enzymes are crucial in the production of volatile compounds, such as lipoxygenase, alcohol dehydrogenase, and alcohol acyltransferase. Composition and concentration of volatiles in apples may be altered by pre- and postharvest factors that cause a decline in apple flavour. Addition of biosynthetic precursors of volatile compounds may be a strategy to promote aroma production in apples. The present manuscript compiles information regarding the biosynthesis of volatile aroma compounds, including metabolic pathways, enzymes and substrates involved, factors that may affect their production and also includes a wide number of studies focused on the addition of biosynthetic precursors in their production.
authors.affiliation: Research Center for Food and Development (CIAD), Rio Conchos S/N, MX-31570 Cuauhtémoc, Mexico.
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Espino-Díaz
authors.affiliation: Research Center for Food and Development (CIAD), Rio Conchos S/N, MX-31570 Cuauhtémoc, Mexico.
authors.forename: David Roberto
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Sepúlveda
authors.affiliation: Research Center for Food and Development (CIAD), Carretera a la Victoria km. 0.6, MX-83000 Hermosillo, Mexico.
authors.forename: Gustavo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: González-Aguilar
authors.affiliation: Research Center for Food and Development (CIAD), Rio Conchos S/N, MX-31570 Cuauhtémoc, Mexico.
authors.forename: Guadalupe I
authors.initials: GI
authors.lastname: Olivas
keywords: alcohol acyltransferase (AAT); alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH); apple aroma; lipoxygenase (LOX); pathway; precursor; volatile compounds