A flavour perspective of Tiepishihu (<i>Dendrobium officinale</i>) – an emerging food ingredient from popular traditional Chinese medicinal plants: a review
Aidan Kirkwood, Ian D. Fisk, Charfedinne Ayed, Yingjian Xu, Ni Yang
Abstract
and its stem in TCM is called Tiepishihu. Tiepishihu has a sweet flavour and is an ingredient in Chinese tea and desserts. There is no comprehensive understanding of its flavour compounds. It is, therefore, essential to understand compounds responsible for its flavour, and how they are formed. This review assesses twelve diverse studies in Tiepishihu flavour (2013-2022). Thirty aroma compounds were compared - furfural and nonanal were identified as common compounds. Four of seven essential amino acids were taste-active, with lysine being the most potent. Pre-harvest factors such as environment impact specific aroma compounds. Post-harvest processing methods, including drying and grinding, can control Tiepishihu's flavour. Methodological consistency is a challenge, but controlling Tiepishihu's flavour could increase its commercial value as a food ingredient.