On-line dynamic HS-SPME for monitoring endogenous aroma compounds released during the baking of a model cake

This work shows that using a dynamic SPME device combined with an instrumented oven, it is possible to monitor the release of a large amount of volatile compounds generated during the baking process of a real cereal product (sponge cake model) by directly sampling its baking vapours. The steam assisted dynamic SPME device made it possible to extract volatile compounds with very different volatility and hydrophobicity, such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and 2-methyl-propanal. Time dependent analyses of baking vapours made it possible to simultaneously follow the release of several odour compounds and thermal reaction markers at different stages of their generation in the sponge cake model. The release of newly formed aroma compounds during baking significantly affected the odour quality of baking extracts as shown by odour profiles and sensory preferences evaluated by Direct-GC–Olfactometry. GC–Olfactometry analysis was carried out on the final baking fractions to gain an understanding of the compounds which could contribute to overall odour quality.