Quality analysis of Idesia polycarpa fruit oil samples from cultivars with different phenotypes

To study the quality characteristics of Idesia polycarpa fruit oil (IPFO) samples under varying phenotypic traits and their differences, three typical phenotypic fruits of the same cultivar were compared, both morphologically and chemically. The results revealed that the highest water content (51.90 %) occurred in small red fruits (RID-S), and the highest oil content (20.63 %) was obtained in large yellow fruits (YID). A total of 532 aroma compounds were identified via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), with terpenes as the major contributors. The fatty acid composition was dominated by linoleic acid (LA), palmitic acid and oleic acid, and the LA content was highest in large red fruits (RID-B) (1633.25–1807.21 μg/mL), whereas the palmitic acid and oleic acid contents were highest in YID (863.72–976.70 μg/mL and 505.96–604.04 μg/mL, respectively). The oil quality of I. polycarpa varied according to its phenotypic characteristics, with RID-B identified as an excellent cultivar, followed by YID and RID-S. •Analysis of volatile components and metabolomics of different phenotypic shapes of IPFO from the same species.•Terpenoids, esters and heterocyclic compounds are the substances responsible for the flavor differences between IPFOs.•Higher linoleic acid content in RID-B relative to RID-S and YID.•RID-B can be used as a good seed to promote cultivation.