Sulfur-containing compounds in the aroma volatiles of melons (Cucumis melo)

The incidence of six thioether esters, methyl (methylthio)acetate, ethyl (methylthio)acetate, 2-(methylthio)ethyl acetate, methyl 3-(methylthio)propanoate, ethyl 3-(methylthio)propanoate, and 3-(methylthio)propyl acetate, considered to be of importance to the aroma profiles of Cucumis melo fruit, has been surveyed in a wide range of cultivars. Their presence and concentrations appear to be under genetic control since there are marked differences between cultivars. The concentrations of these compounds have been determined in a number of cultivars and some have been shown to have odor values which indicate that they contribute to the overall aroma perception of the ripe fruit.