Combining Targeted\nMetabolomics with Untargeted Volatilomics\nfor Unraveling the Impact of Sprouting on the Volatiles and Aroma\nof False Flax (Camelina sativa) Cold-Pressed\nOil

Sprouting of stored oilseeds due to improper storage\ncan lead to\nquality defects of cold-pressed oils obtained from them. This study\naimed to evaluate the effect of seed sprouting on volatile organic\ncompounds (VOCs), aroma-active compounds, and the content of nonvolatile\nmetabolites in cold-pressed false flax oil obtained from sprouted\nseeds. In this study, 88 unique VOCs were detected in sprouted oils,\nwhereas only 42 were found in the control oils. The control oils were\ncharacterized by a higher abundance of alcohols, while all other groups\nof compounds were associated with sprouted seeds. The formation of\nmany VOCs was reflected in changes in the nonvolatile precursors.\nFifteen aroma-active compounds were identified in sprouted oil, with\nfive compounds playing a significant role (FD ≥ 128) in aroma\nformation. The presented approach allowed identification of differences\ncaused by seed sprouting, resulting in oils with a much stronger aroma\nand a richer profile of VOCs due to intensive metabolic changes. The\norigin of many VOCs can be explained by alterations in the content\nof nonvolatile metabolites.