The fenugreek odor of Lactarius helvus

Lactarius helvus was investigated for volatile compounds by GC/MS. The vola tile components proportion corresponds to 0.04% of dry weight. Thirty-eight components were identified. The major constituents were capric acid (25.6% ), 3-amino-4,5-dimethyl-2(5H)-furanone(15.8%, [1]) and 2-methyl-butyric aci d (12.9%). 3-Hydroxy-4,5-dimethyl-2(5H)-furanone (= sotolon, [2], 1.4%), th e hydroxy furanone derivative molecule with the characteristic aroma of Tri gonella foenum graecum seeds, is the key compound responsible for the fenug reek odor of L. helvus. Sotolon is widely used as an aroma component in foo d and tobacco industries due to its strong reminiscent odor.