Characterization of Flavor Profiles of Cigar Tobacco Leaves Grown in China via Headspace–Gas Chromatography–Ion Mobility Spectrometry Coupled with Multivariate Analysis and Sensory Evaluation

Abstract

Although cigar tobacco leaves (CTLs) have a high economic value, research regarding the flavor characteristics of CTLs is currently limited. A comprehensive study of the flavor characteristics of CTLs from different regions of China was conducted by identifying their volatile-flavor-containing compounds (VFCs) and flavors. The samples were analyzed via gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (GC–IMS) and sensory evaluation. Results revealed considerable differences in the VFC contents of CTLs from different regions of China, suggesting that the VFLs of CTLs could be influenced by geographical origin. Mainly, phenols, pyrazines, and aldehydes were present in the CTLs from Sichuan. High contents of esters and pyrazines were present in the CTLs from Hubei, while esters were the major components of the CTLs from Hainan. Multivariate analysis results showed the effective differentiation of samples from different geographical origins based on the GC–IMS results. Sensory evaluation revealed that the flavors of CTLs from different geographical origins were different. 1,8-Pinene, 3-methyl-3-butene-1-ol, 2,3-dimethyl-5-ethylpyrazine, 4-methyl-3-penten-2-one, and ( E)-2-pentenal might serve as geographical marker compounds, indicating the geographical origin of CTLs based on the results of GC–IMS and sensory evaluation. This study may be beneficial for the trade of CTLs and the development of cigar products.