Nectarine, Prunus

Schottler M, Boland W (1996) Biosynthesis of dodecano-4-lactone in ripening fruits Crmal role of an epoxide-hydrolase in enantioselective generation of aroma components of the nectarine ( Prunus persica var. nucipersica ) and the strawberry (Fragaria ananassa). Helv Chim Acta 79 1488... 

The aroma of peaches is characterized by y-lactones (C6-C12) and 5-lactones (Cio and Cl2). The main compound in the lactone fraction is (R)-l,4-decanolide, which has a creamy, fruity, peach-like odor. Other important compounds should be benzaldehyde, benzyl alcohol, ethyl cinnamate, isopentyl acetate, linalool, a-terpineol, a- and 3-ionone, 6-pentyl-a-pyrone (Formula 18.39, VIII), hexanal, (Z)-3-hexenal, and (E)-2-hexenal. Aroma differences in different varieties of peaches are correlated with the different proportions of the esters and monoterpenes. In the case of nectarines (Prunus persica L., Batsch var. nucipersica Schneid), the lactones y-C8-Ci2 and 5-Cio belong to the compounds with the highest aroma values. 

Apricots, cherries, peaches (including nectarines and similar hybrids), plums (Prunus domestica including all subspecies), cornel cherries... 

Peaches and nectarines are members of the same species (Prunus persica). There is controversy over whether nectarine is a separate and distinct fruit or merely a variety of peach [68]. Nectarines lack skin fuzz or pubescence. Approximately 100 volatile compounds have been identified in peaches and nectarines, including alcohols, aldehydes, alkanes, esters, ketones, lactones and terpenes [14, 15, 17, 64, 65, 68-71]. Among them, lactones, particularly y-decalactone and d-decalactone, have been reported as character-impact compounds in peaches and nectarines where they process a strong peach-like aroma [66]. Lactones act in association with Ce aldehydes, aliphatic alcohols and terpenes (Table 7.2,... 

Nectarine (ohewed pits) Prunus spp 1 Cyanogenic glycosides (see p 177)... 

Cherries, which belong to the rose family, are a small round fruit of certain species of trees belonging to the genus Prunus—a group which also includes the plum, peach, nectarine, apricot, and almond. 

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