Analytical and sensory characterization of ‘Pesca di Leonforte’ (Prunus persica Batsch)

‘Pesca di Leonforte’ is a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) product cultivated in the Southern Sicily (Italy). The application for PGI status for ‘Pesca di Leonforte’ is justified by its particular firmness and late ripening characteristic. This research aimed to characterize ‘Pesca di Leonforte’ by quantification of its aroma compounds and the sensory profile. Head-space aroma volatiles were extracted and analyzed by SPME-GC-MS. A large number of compounds have been identified; most of these are well-known in peach fruits, but others have been here identified for the first time. Alcohols, esters and lactones were the most representative chemical classes. The sensory profile of ‘Pesca di Leonforte’ was also defined by a trained panel which assigned high values to peach odor and flavor descriptors. The quantitative data were correlated to the odor descriptors allowing the sensorial characterization of the product. In the samples analyzed esters and lactones prevailed with their sensory descriptors of fruity and peach odor.