Insights into the aroma profiles and characteristic aroma of 'Honeycrisp' apple (Malus x domestica)

'Honeycrisp' is a popular apple cultivar because of its superior appearance and flavor. We investigated its aroma profiles and characteristic aroma. Whereas the aroma profiles of developing fruits were dominated by aldehydes, postharvest fruit accumulated abundant esters, alcohols, and sesquiterpenoids. Most of these components showed maxima at the fruit's climacteric peak. There were more types and higher contents of sesquiterpenoids, aldehydes, and esters in the fruit skin than in the pulp, while alcohol contents and types were comparable between the pulp and skin. Aroma extract dilution and gas chromatography-olfactometry analyses revealed that hexyl 2-methyl-butyrate, alpha-farnesene, 1,3-octanediol, hexanal, (E)-2-hexenal, hexanol, butanol, and 2-methylbutanol are the most potent odor compounds in 'Honeycrisp' apple. Aroma reconstruction and omission tests combined with sensory analyses suggested that hexyl 2-methylbutyrate is responsible for the strong fruity note of 'Honeycrisp' apple, and that other alcohols, aldehydes, and a-farnesene are essential for its background aroma notes.