Unraveling the influence of boiling time on aroma generation in Huajiao (Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim.) water during boiling through molecular sensory science

<i>Huajiao</i> water (HW) has a wide range of applications in the new food service industry. However, few process and flavor studies have been conducted on HW. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of boiling process on HW flavor as well as the mechanisms by which important aroma compounds affect the flavor. The results showed that HW-20 min had better flavor quality and typical flavor of <i>Huajiao</i>. Boiling time mainly affected the content of terpenoid, which subsequently affected the overall flavor of HW. Compared to dried <i>Huajiao</i> (DH), HW had significantly lower volatile compounds. Limonene and linalool were abundant volatile compounds in DH and HW. Finally, the potential degradation pathways of limonene and linalool were summarized based on model experiments and isotopic tracer techniques, respectively. This study provided a feasible solution for the investigation of the transformation pathway and the flavor regulation of HW in industry.