Metabolomics revealed the characteristics of the unique flavor substances of Alxa Allium mongolicum

Allium mongolicum is a wild vegetable with high nutritional value and is famous for its taste and aroma. This study used headspace solid-phase microextraction-mass spectrometry coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry techniques to study the metabolic profile of A. mongolicum in different ecological environments. A total of 624 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were identified. Ester compounds, heterocyclic compounds and terpenoids are the key metabolites that determine flavor differences. KEGG analysis showed that monoterpenoid biosynthesis, zein biosynthesis, α-linolenic acid metabolism and secondary metabolite biosynthesis were the most important metabolic pathways. Compared with Minqin A. mongolicum and Tengger A. mongolicum, Alxa A. mongolicum flavor substance notes sensory flavor has more green, fruity, sweet, floral, spicy, metallic, rose, almond, apple, grassy, tropical, citrus, fresh, herbal and other flavor combinations. Overall, this study reveals the main reason for the unique flavor of Alxa A. mongolicum through metabolomic evidence.