We all suffer from subtle biases and find it takes an act of will to include a flavor chemical we actually don’t like in a formulation. I have this bias against 6-methyl 5-hepten-2-one. I just don’t like it, and it is a struggle to add it even to flavors such as watermelon, where it is obviously useful. 6-Methyl 5-hepten-2-ol (FEMA# 4884, CAS# 1569-60-4) solves my problem. It has a faint family resemblance to the evil parent ketone but is superior in every respect, especially in watermelon flavors. The character is quite complex. It is first and foremost a soft green note. There are also clear links to apple and lemon characters. Behind all this is a subtle floral, almost lavender note. Nice to find another very interesting recent addition to the FEMA GRAS list, especially one that promises to enhance so many different flavor profiles.
Flavor Bites: 6-Methyl 5-hepten-2-ol
Oct 25th, 2018