Abstract

Changes in the enantiomeric composition of chiral terpenes during ripening were studied in 3 different blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) varieties (Hedda, Baldwin, and Ben Hope) by solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography (SPME-GC). The enantiomeric distribution of some terpenes remained constant, whereas others (ß-pinene, limonene, and a-phellandrene) exhibited considerable variation. These data are indicative of the occurrence of 2 new biochemical pathways reported in blackcurrant for the first time. The overall level of chiral and non-chiral terpenes was examined at different stabs of ripening. A slight increase in alcohol terpenes and a substantial drop in monoterpene and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons was found in the latter stages.