HS-SPME-GC-MS Volatile Profile of “Aglio Rosso di Sulmona” (Sulmona Red Garlic) Floral Scape

Garlic (Allium Sativum L.) is a source of organosulphur compounds with well-known sensorial and biological activity. Organosulphur precursors of garlic aroma are also detected in the plant leaves, but limited literature on this subject is available. This study is aimed at the characterization of the volatile profile of the floral scapes of Sulmona red garlic (aglio rosso di Sulmona) cultivated in the Abruzzo region (Italy). Floral scapes are manually removed from the plant before flowering and used as an ingredient of local gastronomy. The organosulphur volatile profile of the scapes is investigated by HS-SPME-GC-MS and compared to that provided by the clove. The GC-MS chromatogram of garlic clove, which is characterized by the predominant contribution of a few organosulphur organic compounds, is significantly more intense than that of the scapes. Almost all the organosulphur compounds contributing to the clove aroma were detected in the scape volatile profile, which, however, exhibits a more balanced contribution of major and minor organo sulphur compounds. Moreover, a significantly higher relative abundance of terpenes and aldehydes is observed in the scape aroma. The geographical/varietal origin of clove seeds (Sulmona versus Spain or France) and cultivation area interactively influence the aroma profile of Sulmona red garlic scapes.